Mass Levitator with Energy Conversion

ABSTRACT

The various embodiments disclosed herein provide a generalized system for extracting gravitational energy from the planet and provide for a general, pollution free, mass lifting and energy conversion system in which the laws of fluid flow, and in particular buoyancy and gravity are utilized to lift an arbitrary mass to a higher gravitational potential energy, where upon the increased potential energy can be converted to other forms of energy. Novel and non-obvious features of the fluid interface device, used to insert the buoyant object into the buoyant fluid, insure that the insertion energy is less than the potential energy gained by the object. The net increase in potential energy can be converted to other forms of energy such as electrical power or mechanical energy. It is shown in that energy gain is effectively extracted from the gravitational field of the planet without breaking the laws of conservation of energy.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/751,336, filed on Jan. 11, 2013. The entire teachings of the aboveapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional Energy Generation

Of some relevance to the various embodiments and processes disclosedherein are the current state of art and concepts associated with energygeneration, fluid flow, buoyancy, the properties of fluids, gravity,gravitational potential energy, conservation of energy, and inparticular the direct conversion of potential energy into electricalpower. These topics will be briefly discussed to provide sufficientbackground to support theoretical implication, and practicalexplanations of the embodiments and processes disclosed herein.

Large scale energy generation can arguably be considered the mostimportant accomplishment of mankind, and in particular, the introductionof practical electrical generators by Tesla at the turn of the late 19thto early 20th century marked a significant milestone in historycharacterized by the wild expansion of ideas that change the world andthe life experience of the average human being. Now at the beginning ofthe 21st century we face a number of problems that may threaten thehuman race and the ecosystems on the planet. Chief among those problemsare environmental pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, agrowing need for energy, and the exponential growth of the planet'spopulation.

On the planet today the great bulk of power generated is based on theburning of fossil fuel, with a much lower fraction of the totalplanetary power coming from nuclear fission, and hydroelectric powersources as shown below in FIG. 1A.

Fossil fuel power generation facilities, while in wide spread use,generate various pollutants such as CO2 (greenhouse gases), fly ash,nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and the waste heat pollution that canaffect lakes, rivers, and streams. Fossil fuel generation also hasdrawbacks associated with limited availability and the cost ofextracting and transporting the natural resources (i.e. coal, oil, gas)to the power plant location. Lastly fossil fuel generating plantscontribute to an overall increase in CO2 in the atmosphere with theresulting increase in the planet's mean temperature (global warming).Nuclear power reactors on the other hand produce long and short lifenuclear waste products which must be stored and managed (long term)after the original fuel rods have become depleted. Finally there is theever present danger that a nuclear reactor could become unstable ordamaged, as was the case with Chernobyl Russian reactors, Three MileIsland in the US, and the Fukushima-Daiichi reactors in Japan. Solarenergy, while renewable and clean, is subject to lack of availabilityduring night time hours. Similarly, energy from wind generation is notconstantly available since it is subject to the unpredictability ofweather patterns. Both solar and wind generators require substantialareas of the earth's surface to generate power levels equivalent tostate of the art fossil and nuclear plants. For these reasons, manyindustrial experts do not considered solar and wind generation as trulyviable replacements for fossil and nuclear generation plants. Lastlygeothermal and hydroelectric, while both clean and able to produceabundant power, are generally limited geographically to a fewcommercially feasible sites that can be made commercially productive.Hence there is an urgent need on the planet for an efficient, cheap,reliable, pollution free, energy dense, renewable energy source that canbe built at any location, that is scalable to meet any size powerrequirement, and that is available at all times.

Buoyancy Engines, Gravity Engines

A buoyancy engine, for the purposes of this application can be definedas a device that attempts to utilize the forces of buoyancy (but not thegravitational forces) to generate motive force and power. A survey ofapplicable literature turns up a number of buoyancy engines that striveto utilize dense fluids such as water and properties of buoyant-objects,and air bubbles in particular, to displace the dense fluid so as togenerate the upward force of buoyancy. The field of buoyance engineswill be addressed in general terms, and specific references addressedwhen appropriate, in the next paragraphs.

Generally speaking prior art searches show that most buoyance devicesutilize compressed air in some form to function. Very commonlycompressed air is injected at the bottom of a fluid tank, where airbubbles impinge on, and collect under, a series of linked and connectedmechanical surfaces, such as an inverted bucket. The mechanical surfacesare generally arranged in a circular fashion, and often in the form ofone or more large wheels, so as to force the mechanical surface attachedto the moving wheel upward under the force of buoyancy. The air bubblesare then dumped at the top of the fluid tank by an inversion of themechanical surfaces, which are then propelled back down through the sametank of fluid as the wheel continues to turn. In nearly all cases theworking fluid is generally water, but mercury is occasionally mentioned.In most of these patents the buoyancy of the mechanical surface ismodified by the air bubbles that collect under its surface such that thecomposite surface plus air bubbles become buoyant with the addition ofthe air bubbles. The downward force of gravity does not make asignificant contribution to the energy output since the wheels and othermechanical connections to the wheel are generally balanced and do notmove under the influence of gravity when no compressed air is beinggenerated. Buoyancy engines of this type include an early reference byCook in 1883, U.S. Pat. No. 271,040, followed by more recent entriesincluding: Bokel U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,132, Jackson U.S. Pat. No.4,407,130, Simpson U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,015, Murata U.S. Pat. No.6,269,638, Kittle U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,243, and Brumfield pub. no.2010/0095666. In each of these cases the motive force driving themechanical device is the force of buoyancy generated by the air bubblesthat are injected into the device. An important note is that aconsiderable amount of energy is required by such devices to generatethe pressurized air, and this energy debit must be subtracted from anynet energy that may or may not be produced by these devices.

Two devices by Dennis De Shon are worthy of consideration, they includeU.S. Pat. No. 4,713,937 (Dec. 22, 1987) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,242 (May3, 1988). According to both patents De Shon uses buoyant capsulesinstead of air to activate the forces of buoyancy. In his first patent:U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,937, the capsules are injected into the bottom of atank of fluid (mercury) via an air lock (which implies it usescompressed air to displace the mercury in the airlock), imping on aseries of mechanical surfaces and geared wheels, not unlike the patentsmentioned above, and then removes the capsules at the top. There ishowever no explanation as to how the buoyant capsules are injected intothe fluid, or how said capsules are taken from the top of the fluid tankto be replaced at the bottom of the tank (i.e. no fluid interfacemechanism). In his second patent: U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,242 De Shonprovides a mechanism to inject a series of “gas-filled linked liftingbodies” into the bottom of a fluid tank, but requires the use ofcomputer controlled compressed air injection to make the crossing of thefluid interface possible. Again this requires considerable energy tocreate the continuous stream of compressed air. Both devices utilizebuoyancy as the motive force, and do not make significant use ofgravity.

In a recent patent application by James Kwok, patent applicationpublication number US2010/0307149, Dec. 9, 2010, the embodimentsdisclosed use compressed air to inflate or deflate a flexible membranebased “buoyant means” within a tank of fluid, (typically water), whichdisplaces the fluid when inflated, so as to change the overall buoyancyof the “buoyant means” as a function of time. Kwok uses a number ofsomewhat complicated mechanical connections, gears, pulleys and weightsto provide mechanical motion from the “buoyant means” that in turndrives a shaft, which drives an electrical generator. One of thesignificant limitations of this device is that the embodiments againutilize compressed air to change the buoyancy of the “inflatablecapsule” and hence require significant energy to generate the compressedair. In addition the “inflatable capsule” or buoyant means must bedriven back to the bottom of the fluid tank resulting in additionalenergy loss due to the viscosity of the fluid.

Compressed air used by these embodiments displaces the working fluid(e.g. water), but at the same time is also subject to the ideal gas lawto first order (PV=nRT). This law can be expressed as P2/P1=V2/V1 whenthe temperature T and number of molecules/atoms n of gas is known orfixed (as in a single air bubble or compressible buoyant-object). If thewater pressure is increased by a factor of ten from the top of thetank/column of water to the bottom, then the new pressure at the bottomP2, divided by the original pressure at the top (P2/P1), will be equalto 10 and will, by the perfect gas law, decrease the volume at the topV1 to the new volume V2 at the bottom of the tank. Hence if V2/V1 is1/10th of its original volume then P2/P1 is equal to 10 (the reciprocalof the pressure gain). But water is basically an incompressible fluid,so its volume does not substantially change when compressed, however theair bubble/volume, as just described, compresses considerably. Hencewhen an air bubble's volume is compressed when at the bottom of a tankof water by the height of the water overhead by a factor of 10×, thenthe volume of the air bubble shrinks by a factor of 10. This means thatthe water displaced by the smaller air bubble is decreased by a factorof 10. Practically speaking this means that the resultant buoyancy forceacting on the air bubble at the bottom of the tank is 10 times less thanit is at the top of the tank/column. Similarly a 100 fold increase inpressure on the air bubble due to increased tank depth implies that only1% of the fluid volume is displaced by the same bubble at the bottom ofthis deeper tank, and therefore only 1% of the buoyancy power and forcecan be generated by this much smaller air bubble near the bottom of thetank.

Water, which is the typical dense fluid used in these devices, iscompressed by gravity such that the pressure increases by 1 psi forevery 2.31 feet of increased depth (head). Therefore it takes only 23feet of water to decrease the volume of an air bubble to 1/10 of itssurface size, and one tenth of its effective buoyancy. The utility andefficiency of compressed air for use as water displacement to generatebuoyancy continues to decrease with depth as shown in FIG. 1B. Theconclusion is that buoyancy embodiments which directly utilizecompressed air, such as those illustrated by prior art discussed above,quickly become less effective and less efficient as the tank fluiddepth/water column height is increased (i.e. the power generated bycompressed air does not scale well with water depth). Hence, accordingFIG. 1B, such embodiments are practically limited to water depths on theorder of about twenty feet or less, where the force of buoyance at thebottom of the water tank/column is still at least 1/10th of what itwould be at the surface.

A major conceptual and practical draw back exists for any buoyancyembodiments that require compressed air (or must generate compress air)to function. The compressed air that is injected or transferred withinthe system consumes energy, and the amount of energy expended increaseswith water pressure and water height. Generally speaking the energy costof compressing and or transferring the air must be subtracted from theoverall energy equation associated with the device. Hence the effect isthat the net energy gain from the embodiment (if any) is greatly reducedby the energy required to generate the compressed air.

A further limitation of buoyancy devices, besides that fact that they donot scale well with water depth, and the fact that they requirerelatively large expenditures of energy to operate (e.g. to compressair), is that they only take advantage of the forces of buoyancy andgenerally do not take advantage of the forces of gravity, as is done bya water wheel, or a generalized gravity wheel. In a water wheel, whichhas been around for thousands of years, elevated water impinges upon theperipheral surfaces, or buckets of a central wheel that is attached to acentral axis. The turning central axis can be used directly to generatemechanical energy, as in a flower mill, or as is commonly done today,the central axis can be attached to an electrical generator such asthose deployed by Tesla at the turn of the century at Niagara Falls,near Buffalo N.Y. (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 447,921). In a generalized gravitywheel the principles are typically the same, except that the impingingwater can be replaced by any fluid type (air, water, oil, etc.), or anysolid object that impinges upon the central wheel (e.g. a series ofheavy falling spheres, or a stream of pebbles that impinge upon thecentral wheel's surfaces and turn the central axis), not just water.

Finally an examination of US patent application publication no.2012/0198833, by Francis, published Aug. 9, 2012, attempts to combine abuoyancy engine with a gravity engine. Francis relies on alleged surplusenergy supplied by an elevated buoyant “ball” that is lifted by theforce of buoyancy to “insert” said “ball” into the bottom of a buoyantcolumn of fluid, and to allegedly perform the “ball reset” function ofthe device with no external energy input. A simple energy analysis ofthis patent shows that the proposed device is non-functional. It ishowever instructional to review an energy analysis of the Francisdevice, as such an analysis can enable an understanding of the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein, and in particular an important principle ofthis application, namely that the heart of an energy generation devicemay be a fluid interface device, as disclosed herein. Such a fluidinterface device is particularly energy efficient, non-obvious, governedby the laws of conservation of energy, and enables buoyancy and gravityto do work and liberate surplus energy under very select conditions.

While it may be possible to use buoyancy to lift a ball, and gravity toconvert the height gained to energy via a gravity wheel, it must be donesuch that there is a net energy gained, otherwise there is no possibleenergy that can be extracted from the system. It is fairly easy to showthat US 2012/0198833 will never generate an energy surplus as described,that there is insufficient energy to run and move the embodiment asshown in US 2012/0198833 FIG. 2 (“Francis FIG. 2”), and that theembodiment cannot mechanically function as described. Consider thefollowing:

In paragraph [0031] Francis states “the piston 216 can insert thebuoyant balls 202 into the buoyant column”, without any furtherexplanation and without out further mechanical means. Given only apiston to insert the ball into the fluid column, it is necessary for thegeared gravity wheel in this case to pull the piston rod and piston outsufficiently such that the ball can drop into an exposed opening in thepiston's housing or enclosure. The exposed opening in the piston housingmust be in fluid communication with the bottom of the fluid column ifthe ball is to be inserted, and therefore without other mitigatingmechanical means, the pressure from the standing column of fluid willimmediately begin a pressurized flow of fluid from the pistonenclosure's opening. The rate of fluid flow will be in proportion to thepressure at the bottom of the fluid column, the diameter of the ballopening, and the height of the fluid column. The ball having droppedfrom a small height, having used most of its kinetic energy to turn the“drive wheel”, and being buoyant will not completely submerge by itself,especially with pressurized fluid leaking from the housing. That is,since the ball is buoyant, part of the ball's surface will be above thewater line represented in this case by the fluid level in the opening ofthe piston housing. Hence it will be difficult if not impossible for thepiston to close with the ball above the water line even if there is nowater leaking form the piston housing. With the piston housing leakingenormous amounts of water under pressure, the ball will be pushed out ofthe enclosure opening by the pressurized fluid flow, hence there is noway to force the ball into the piston without further mechanical means,which has not been disclosed by Francis.

Additionally this leaked water must be replaced, and to replace it willrequire pumping the fluid to the top of the holding tank (pump nodefined). The elevation of this leaked fluid requires an enormous amountof energy which must be subtracted from the energy balance of thesystem. The fluid that has leaked, if not replaced, will cause thebuoyant fluid column to collapse and the fluid pressure at the bottom ofthe fluid column to diminish. There can be no working embodiment with acollapsed fluid column, no ball to enter the fluid column, and nodriving force of buoyancy without the pressure difference between thetop and bottom of the fluid column.

When the buoyant fluid is water, the pressure at the bottom of the fluidcolumn will be 1 pound per square inch (PSI) for every 2.3 feet of waterin the column. This water pressure acts on the surface area of thepiston even when the enclosure's housing is not leaking, so as to alwaysforce the piston backward with a force proportional to this pressure.This initial force pushing back on the piston must be overcome by theforce generated by a “dropped ball”, if the “drive wheel 208” is ever tomove and rotate (see Francis FIG. 2). As a concrete example, considerthe case of the embodiment per US 2012/0198833 which has been configuredto be 20 ft tall 4 inch in diameter fluid column with a 4 inch buoyantball. The 20 ft of water generate 20 ft/2.31 psi/ft=8.66 PSI. A 4 inchball and 4 inch piston has a cross sectional surface area ofPI*diameter=12.6 inches squared. Therefore the ball or piston will havea force pushing on it of 12.6*8.66=108.8 pounds. This is 108 pounds offorce that will attempt to be forced into the piston enclosure's open atall times and it is 108 pounds of force that must be overcome by the“ball” when being dropped into the piston. On the other hand a 4 inchball will displace 1.2 pounds of water, and to be buoyant it must weighless than 1.2 pounds. Given that force of gravity produces in this caseless than 1.2 pounds of force for each ball, even with the combinedforce from several ball drops, there is no possibility that the downwardforce of gravity can overcome the force of the flowing water coming outof the piston enclosure opening so as to insert the ball into thepiston, nor is it possible for the “drive wheel” to begin to turnwithout addition 108 pounds of external applied force and otherassociated mechanical means. Increasing the size of the ball onlyincrease the amount of water leaking from the piston and therefore theforce on the ball or the piston will increase as will the amount ofwater leakage. Decreasing the height of the water column only reducesthe height and potential energy that the ball can obtain. A more generalanalysis could be under taken to show that there is no combination offluid height or ball size which would permit US 2012/0198833 to functionas written.

In paragraph [0032] Francis states, “one skilled in the art willappreciate that there are other methods of inserting a buoyant ball 202into buoyant column 212 are contemplated herein. For example, the bottomportion of the buoyant column 212 can be isolated, using a horizontaldivider or some other method. The buoyant fluid 214 can be removed fromthe bottom portion of the buoyant column 212 and the ball can beinserted.” First of all this description of the proposed apparatus isincredible vague and it is not apparent how a “horizontal divider orother method actually is assembled and made to function. Moreimportantly this method, if the applicant utilizes sufficientimagination, describes a process that requires more energy to remove thewater from the isolated bottom, drained fluid column, than will begained by the ball being elevated. The means by which it is drained andhow the separation would occur is a complete mystery. First considerthat the water removed must be replaced by pumping an equal quality tothe top of the fluid column if more than one ball is to use the columnrepeatedly. The energy required to lift and removed the water from asection of the bottom can be calculated from the gravitational potentialenergy MGH increase of the water required to be replaced, where M is themass or weight of the water column that must be replaced, G is thegravitational constant and H is the height of the fluid column. On theother hand the energy gained by the ball is also given by MGH, but thistime the M is the mass of the ball. For energy to be gained by the ballover that of the water removed the ratio of these two terms (the energygained by ball/energy required to water replacement) must be greaterthan one—which is a measure of the energy efficiency of the process.That is after removing the common G and H from the ratio we getMass_(ball)/Mass_(removed-water-from-column)>1. But the density and massof the ball to float must always be less than the density of the waterthat surrounds it and therefore the mass of surrounding water is alwaysgreater than the ball if the ball is going to float. Hence there mustalways be a greater volume of water removed to insert the ball into thecolumn in the first place, therefore this ratio is always greater than 1no matter how high the fluid column and no matter what the size ballutilized. This means the process as described always losses energy.Again consider the same example where the water column is a cylinder ofheight 20 ft of diameter 4 inches and where the ball is 4 inch indiameter. The proposed process of isolating and removing the watervolume of a cylinder of 4 inch diameter and 4 inch height involves watervolume=PI*(D/2)2*H=50.26 in3 which weighs 1.82 lbs. The energy requiredto lift and replacement the water is therefore (1.8)*G*H. Energy gainedby lifting the 4 inch ball to height H given it weighs 1.2 lbs if filledwith water and if 75% loaded (loading to be explained in later sectionsof this application) we have for the energygained=(0.75*1.2)*G*H=0.9*G*H. The energy gained in the process istherefore the energy gained from the ball elevation minus the cost ofreplacing the water=(0.9-1.8)*G*H=−0.9*G*H. Hence the overall processdescribed in [0032] losses energy with each ball by an amount of−0.9*G*H, since the above number is negative. The ratio for thecylindrical fluid column of 4 inches with 4 inch ball is then 0.9/1.8 or50%, and this is related to the overall efficiency of the process whichcan be said to take 50% more energy than is gained by the elevation ofthe ball. Clearly the process of paragraph [0032] can never be used togenerate power.

Similarly it can be shown that the process described in [0033] whichconsists of lifting the entire weight of the fluid column by way of avacuum to insert the ball will “cost” even more energy than processdescribed by [0033] (removing a portion of the fluid column andreplacing it). Hence its efficiency is worse than that of [0033] whichis already producing a loss of 50% of the power generated by the ballwhen fully elevated.

It is also clear from the above analysis that 2012/0198833 will nevergenerate a surplus of power given any of the injection means describedtherein, and clearly the device depicted and described in Francis FIG. 2cannot function since it will be unable to insert said buoyant ball, norturn “energy wheel” 208b. Given the embodiment described cannot move orfunction without an external source of power, and given that thedescribed means cannot be used to generate power the entire objective ofthe patent 2012/0198833 is in question.

Other limitations of 2012/0198833 include:

1. The ability to work, as far as it does, applies only to a “ball” orspherical shaped buoyant-object that can roll down the various ramps,but fall vertically downward.

2. The device shown in Francis FIG. 2 is mechanically complicated whichmakes it subject to reliability problems and significant frictionallosses due to the described gears and connections.

3. The energy wheel 208a only captures half of the energy gained by theball, which we have shown takes a loss with each cycle of the device.That is, there is no means shown to convert the full potential energygained by the buoyant ball's elevation into energy. As shown in FrancisFIG. 2 only about half of the energy gained can be utilized since 208ais located half way up the device, and the other half (208b) must beused to drive the piston or implement some other means which has alsobeen shown not to be workable. The overall efficiency of the device ofFrancis FIG. 2 (if it really operated) goes down to 25% or less if thebest process given by paragraph [0032] is used to inject said ball. Thismeans that in the best case, if Francis FIG. 2 could be made to work,75% more energy must be supplied into the system for every ball cycledthrough the device. Since there is no external source of power theembodiment will not function.

Contrast Between Rotational and Linear Power Generation

Most commercial electrical energy generations facilities in use todaycapitalize on the rotational motion of magnetics or magnetic fieldsgenerated by magnet wire to create time changing magnetic flux that iscoupled into the induction coils so as to produce an electrical waveform(electrical power). For example Nikola TeslaAlternating-Electric-Current Generator U.S. Pat. No. 447,921 dated Mar.10, 1891, is an example of one of the first commercially successfulrotational generators that couples a rotating shaft to generateelectricity power. The linear induction generator was first described byFaraday in the 1830's, and is documented in U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,192 as amechanism to teach and demonstrate Faraday's law of induction tostudents in a classroom or laboratory environment. Such lineargenerators are characterized by a magnet approaching, moving through,and exiting an induction coil.

In a linear generator the time rate of change of magnetic flux isrelated to the speed at which the magnetic assembly approaches andpasses through the induction coil (in addition to other factors such asthe strength and physical orientation of the magnetic arrays). The rateof change of the magnetic flux is responsible for the magnitude of thevoltage that is generated in the induction coil, and which in the caseof a simple magnet and a single induction coil, generate electricalwaveforms when measured at the output of the coil. Prior art searchesshow that the concept of dropping a magnet through an induction coil isused today in practice to sense or count objects as they fall, or togenerate small amounts of power (e.g. US 2012/0235510 Francis FIG. 2)but no prior art reference has been located by the Applicant of thepresent application that can generate significant power (Kilowatts orMegawatts) for industrial and consumer use. Hence many of the conceptsrequired for large scale power generation described herein are unknown,never utilized, undocumented or otherwise not manifested into variousembodiments by science and industry today. This is due at least in partto the brilliance and success of Nicola Tesla whose original concept forrotational power generation is in use universally and remains virtuallyunchanged after more than 100 years of use.

In the linear generator the flux increases in magnitude as the magnet(associated magnet field) approaches the coil and decreases whileexiting the coil. The situation while the magnet exists in, and fallsthrough the coil, is more complex and the power generated depends on theinternal structure of the coil itself (e.g. how long the coil is), theorientation of the magnets, its velocity and rotational kinetic energy.If multiple magnets are falling through the same coil at the same time,then there can be undesirable constructive and destructive interferenceof the electrical waveforms occurring with respect to the inductionprocess. In addition if the magnet (or magnetic array) is rotating andfalling at the same time through an induction coil, then the rate ofchange of flux can be increased if the internal configurations of themagnetic arrays are optimized. Hence the design of a linear generator isnot necessarily obvious and straight forward, and the principlesconcerning linear inductive power generation described herein are thenarguably patentable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments and processes disclosed herein provide ageneralized system/methodology for extracting gravitational energy fromthe planet and provide for a general, pollution free, mass liftingand/or energy conversion system in which the laws of fluid flow,hydrodynamics, and in particular buoyancy and gravity, are utilized tolift an arbitrary mass to a higher gravitational potential energy, whereupon the increased potential energy can be converted to other forms ofenergy. Specific novel and non-obvious features of the apparatus areutilized to insure that the energy input required to lift the arbitraryobject to its desired height is less than the potential energy gained bythe object. The net increase in potential energy can be converted toother forms of energy such as electrical power or mechanical energy. Itis recognized by, and shown in this patent application that energy canbe effectively extracted from the gravitational field of the planet andutilized to do useful work when the principles described herein areunderstood and incorporated into suitable embodiments, such as the onesdescribed in this patent's associated figures and descriptive text.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1A—Table of the main power sources on the planet, percentage usage,issues, and notes.

FIG. 1B—Graph of the fractional decrease in compressed gas versus waterdepth in feet. Illustrates that gas significantly compresses as afunction of water depth and is hence less effective at displacing water,which implies that it is less buoyant, with less buoyant force generatedthe deeper the air pocket or air bubble is within the fluid body.

FIG. 1C—Basic open loop mass-levitator with block-diagram style FluidInterface Devices (FIDs) and Fluid regions.

FIG. 2—Basic closed loop mass-levitator with block-diagram style FluidInterface Devices (FIDs) and Fluid regions.

FIG. 3—Generalized closed loop mass-levitator with block-diagram styleFluid Interface Devices (FIDs) and Fluid regions.

FIG. 4A—3-Dimensional view of swing check valve exterior view.

FIG. 4B—3-Dimensional view of swing check valve cross-section view.

FIG. 4C—2-Dimensional view of swing check valve cross-section view,flapper open, and filled with dense-fluid.

FIG. 4D—2-Dimensional view of swing check valve cross-section view,flapper closed, and filled with light-fluid (or empty).

FIG. 4E—2-Dimensional cross-section view of swing check valve, flapperclosed, holding up a standing-column of dense fluid with buoyant-objectbelow flapper.

FIG. 4F—2-Dimensional cross-section view of a dense-fluid filledcompression-decompression-chamber, showing placement of internal swingcheck valves, internal electronic fluid valves, high and low pressureequalization pipes.

FIG. 5A—2-Dimensional cross-section view of check valve style FluidInterface devices, showing a buoyant-object waiting to enter thecompression-decompression-chamber, and a second buoyant-object that hasjust exited and is proceeding upward in uptube.compression-decompression-chamber is in a high pressure state (lowerflapper not ready to open).

FIG. 5B—2-Dimensional cross-section view of check valve style FluidInterface devices, showing a buoyant-object entering thecompression-decompression-chamber by pushing upward on the check valveflapper and rising upward to rest under top check valve flapper when thecompression-decompression-chamber equalized to lower-transition fluidpressures (decompression state).

FIG. 5C—2-Dimensional cross-section view of check valve style FluidInterface devices, showing a buoyant-object entering thecompression-decompression-chamber by pushing upward on the check valveflapper and rising upward to rest under top check valve flapper.

FIG. 5D—2-Dimensional cross-section view of check valve style FluidInterface devices, showing a buoyant-object leaving thecompression-decompression-chamber by pushing upward on the upper checkvalve flapper and rising upward within the uptube. Thecompression-decompression-chamber is again in a high pressurestate-upper flapper open.

FIG. 6—2-Dimensional cross-section view of check valve style FluidInterface devices, showing a buoyant-objects stacked in lower transitionand above the fluid interface line. Weight of buoyant-objects above thefluid interface line force buoyant-objects downward so as to requiretiming regulation.

FIG. 7A—2-Dimensional view of electronic solenoid actuated swing checkvalve cross-section view, flapper closed, and filled with dense-fluid.

FIG. 7B—2-Dimensional view of electronic solenoid actuated swing checkvalve cross-section view, flapper open, and filled with dense-fluid.

FIG. 7C—2-Dimensional cross-section view of a dense-fluid filledelectronic solenoid actuated compression-decompression-chamber, showingplacement of internal swing check valves, internal electronic fluidvalves, high and low pressure equalization pipes.

FIG. 7D—2-Dimensional cross-section view of electronic solenoid actuatedcheck valve and compression decompression chamber and lower transition.

FIG. 7E—2-Dimensional cross-section view of electronic check valve styleFluid Interface devices, showing a buoyant-objects stacked in lowertransition and above the fluid interface line. Weight of buoyant-objectsabove the fluid interface line force buoyant-objects downward so as torequire timing regulation.

FIG. 8—bent pipe version of upper Fluid Interface Device comprised ofupper transition connected to uptube on left and downtube on right.Stacked buoyant-objects in uptube provide sufficient buoyant force tolift top most buoyant-objects over the fluid interface and into thedowntube.

FIG. 9—linear induction power conversion showing buoyant-object withenclosed magnetic array, pulse conversion subsystem, and electroniccontrol equipment.

FIG. 10A—Spherical generic buoyant-objects with hard outer shell.

FIG. 10B—Elliptical generic buoyant-objects with hard outer shell.

FIG. 10C—Cylindrical generic buoyant-objects.

FIG. 10D—Encapsulating buoyant-object showing ballast tank, arbitrarymass shown as a car, electronically actuated fluid valve for ballast,and induction coils to open/close fluid valve.

FIG. 10E—Encapsulating buoyant-object showing internal fluid tank,arbitrary mass shown as a ship and surrounding water, electronicallyactuated fluid valve, and induction coils to open/close fluid valve.

FIGS. 11A-19C—Buoyant-objects with internal water chamber and swingcheck valves. 11A is a top down view, 11B is a cross section whenbuoyant-object is flipped upside down, 19C is a cross section view whenbuoyant-object is right side up.

FIGS. 12A-12J,13A—Buoyant-objects containing magnets and magneticarrays.

FIGS. 13B-13E—Buoyant-objects containing magnets and magnetic arraysstacked in uptubes showing the magnetic forces of attraction andrepulsion established by various shapes of buoyant-object and withvarious enclosed magnetic arrays.

FIG. 14A—3-D view of gravity wheel exterior.

FIG. 14B—2-D cross sectional view of gravity wheel interior acting as awater wheel.

FIG. 14C—2-D cross sectional view of gravity wheel interior acting as ageneralized gravity wheel with buoyant-objects impinging on interiorwheel so as to turn central axis.

FIG. 15A—water elevator mass-levitator in fill stage where car is beingloaded into buoyant-object and when water has already been purged fromthe compression-decompression chamber.

FIG. 15B—close up view of top section of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D—water elevator mass-levitator in rise stage where car is beinglevitated upward by encapsulating buoyant-object and when water hasalready filled the compression-decompression chamber.

FIG. 15E—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 15D.

FIG. 15F—water elevator mass-levitator after rising to the top of thefluid column—ready to open doors to buoyant-object and top doors towater elevator so as to be driven from the apparatus.

FIG. 15G—close up view of top section of FIG. 15E.

FIG. 15H—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 15E.

FIG. 16A—ship lift mass-levitator in fill stage after ship has beenloaded into buoyant-object and when water has already been purged fromthe compression-decompression chamber.

FIG. 16B—close up view of top section of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D—ship lift mass-levitator in rise stage where ship with enclosedwater is being levitated upward by encapsulating buoyant-object and whenwater has already filled the compression-decompression chamber.

FIG. 16E—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 16D.

FIG. 16F—ship lift mass-levitator after rising to the top of the fluidcolumn—ready to open doors to buoyant-object and top doors to waterelevator so as to be float ship from the apparatus into the top waterchannel.

FIG. 16G—close up view of top section of 16F.

FIG. 16H—ship lift mass-levitator after rising to the top of the fluidcolumn—adding fluid to water chamber so as to sink buoyant-object indescent. Induction coil open fluid valve and buoyant-object begins todescent until meeting electronically actuated mechanical stop.Mechanical stop opens when water fill is complete, and buoyant-objectbegins descent to bottom.

FIG. 16I—close up view of top section of FIG. 16H.

FIG. 16J—ship lift mass-levitator descending to bottom after taking onwater. Differs from FIG. 16A in that there is more water in theencapsulating buoyant-object such that the buoyant-object now floats.

FIG. 16K—close up view of top section of FIG. 16J.

FIG. 16L—ship lift mass-levitator at bottom ready to purge water tolevel of exterior channel. Differs from FIG. 16A in that there is morewater in the encapsulating buoyant-object. Water valve in buoyant-objectand water valve in bottom compression decompression chamber is now to beopened so that water flows down connecting pipe to equalize water levelto exterior channel.

FIG. 16M—close up view of top section of FIG. 16L.

FIG. 17A—Mass levitator single uptube single downtube with linearinduction energy conversion.

FIG. 17B—close up view of top section of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A—Mass levitator dual uptube single downtube with linearinduction energy conversion. A modified version of FIG. 17A having twouptubes and one downtube.

FIG. 18B—close up view of top section of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A—water pump at dam, showing modified FIG. 17A withbuoyant-objects designed to capture water at the bottom and release itat the bottom using buoyant-objects of FIG. 11A-C. Pumped water is usedto fill a dam or could be used for irrigation.

FIG. 19B—close up view of top section of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20—water pump with gravity wheel. Modified versions of FIG. 19Awhere pumped water is used with gravity wheel of FIG. 14A, to generatemechanical or electrical power.

FIG. 21A—bottom wheel FID single uptube single down tube on incline withlinear and rotational induction energy conversion. Modification of FIG.29A with downtube inclined so as to roll round or cylindricalbuoyant-objects down the downtube with the goal of increasing therotational kinetic energy, the rate of change of flux, and the length oftime spent in the downtube.

FIG. 21B—close up view of top section of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 21C—close up view of bottom section of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22—top FID, bottom FID, and multiple gravity wheels.

FIGS. 23A-23C—Fish Mass-Levitator for Dam. Swing check valve FIDs areused to maintain fluid separation and pressure difference, whileallowing fish to cyclically enter the compression decompression chamberand swim to the top. Fish act as the self-mobile variably buoyant-objectin this embodiment.

FIGS. 24A-24C—Power Fish Levitator. A variation of FIG. 23 in which thecompression decompression chamber is enlarged and where watercontrollably released from the top of the apparatus causes a fluidcurrent that drives the fish upward.

FIGURE ITEMS NUMBERS AND PART DESIGNATORS

Item number FIG.(s) Item or part designator Description/Notes 16 1C, 2,3 bottom-FID Generalized Fluid Interface Device located at the bottom ofan embodiment. 17 1C, 2, 3 top-FID Generalized Fluid Interface Devicelocated at the top of an embodiment. 18 1C, 2 bottom-FID-door-to-light-entrance/exit door to the light fluid 22 fluid contained in the bottomFluid Interface Device 19 1C, 2 top-FID-door-to-light-fluidentrance/exit door to the light fluid 22 contained in the top FluidInterface Device 20 4F, 5A-5D, 6 lower-swing-check-valve lower swingcheck valve - part of the compression decompression chamber orfluid-interface-mechanism. 21 1C, 2, 3 dense-fluid the dense fluid, inwhich the buoyant- object is buoyant, usually water 22 1C, 2, 3light-fluid or less-dense- the light fluid, in which the buoyant- fluidobject will sink, usually gaseous, and commonly air; can be pressurizedin some embodiments 24 1C, 2, 3 energy-conversion-system theembodiment's energy conversion system, these are often optional, and areused to convert the motion (kinetic energy) of the buoyant-object tomechanical or electrical energy (power) 25 4F, 5A-5D, 6upper-swing-check-valve top most swing check valve 28 1C, 2bottom-FID-door-to-dense- In the bottom Fluid Interface Device, fluidthe door in the FID leading to the dense fluid 29 1C, 2top-FID-door-to-dense-fluid In the top Fluid Interface Device, the doorin the FID leading to the dense fluid 30 4F, 5A-5D, 6, compression- Tubethat connects the upper and 15A, 16A decompression-tube lower swingcheck valves (20, 25) and forms the inner walls of thecompression-decompression-chamber 105 35 6, 7E, 17A17C,downtube-dense-fluid-level Water level in the downtube at the 18A, 18C,or dense-fluid to less-dense-fluid 19A, light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface also known as the lower- 19C, 20, interface fluid-interface21A if the dense-fluid is water, and light-fluid is air:downtube-water-level or air-to-water-interface 40 2, 6, 7E, downtubeRegion between upper and lower 8, 17A, transitions. Filled with theless-dense- 18A, 19A, fluid (e.g. air), in which the buoyant- 20, 21Aobject sinks and falls rapidly with an acceleration close to g (32ft/sec²). Downtube can act as the guided- means for the buoyant-objectsdecent and may guide the buoyant-object 75 into the lower transition andacross the lower-fluid-interface. 45 4F, 5A-5D, electronic-low-pressure-Used to equalize pressure to that of 6, 7C, fluid-valve the lowertransition 7D, 7E, 17A, 17C, 18A, 18C, 19A, 19C 50 4F, 5A-5D,electronic-high-pressure- Used to equalize pressure to that of 6, 7C,fluid-valve the uptube 7D, 7E, 17A, 17C, 18A, 18C, 19A, 19C 55 4F,5A-5D, lower-pressure- Used to connect compression 6, 7C,equalization-tube chamber to the downtube for 7D, 7E, decompression 17A,17C, 18A, 18C, 19A, 19C 60 4F, 5A-5D, 6, high-pressure-equalization-Used to connect compression- 17A-17H tube decompression chamber to theuptube for compression of the chamber 65 17A, 18A,uptube-secondary-flow-pipe Used to provide for a continuous path forfluid flow from the upper levels of the uptube 70 to its connectionagain at the bottom of uptube 70 70 1C, 2, uptube a tubular pipe ofsufficient diameter 15A-15H, to enclose, contain, and permit 16A-16M,passage of a multiplicity of buoyant- 17A-17C, objects 75. Uptube 70also contains 18A-18C and encloses the dense working fluid in whichbuoyant-objects 75 are buoyant. often filled with water or water with asolvent such as salt. 75 1C, 2, 4E, buoyant-object Object that islevitated by apparatus 5A-D, which is buoyant or partially buoyant 6,7E, 8, in at least one dense fluid, and may 10A-E, sink in the lessdense fluid if there is 15A, 15D, a less dense fluid. Can encapsulate15E, 16A, arbitrary matter such as one or more 16C, magnetic arrays thatare fixed in the 16D, 16F, 16H, buoyant-object. May include one or 16J,16L, more closures or doors which can 16M accommodate other arbitrary17A, 18A, objects/matter such as cars, water, 19A, 20, water with ships,water with fish, etc. 21A, 22A Usually made to be somewhat streamlinedso as to reduce fluid drag and to follow internal guided-means when suchguided-means are present. 80 9, induction-coil One or more Inductioncoils usually 17A, 18A, circumferentially surrounding the 21A downtube,but which may also be present on the uptube. Used to induce electricalpulses from magnetic arrays in buoyant-object. 85 9, 17A,pulse-conversion-subsystem Converts induction coil pulses to 18A, 21Acontinuous single, 3 phase or dc current as required. 90 9, 17A,electrical-output pulse conversion output 18A, 21A 100 8,uptube-dense-fluid-level The point at the top of the uptube 70 15A, 16A,or where the water ends and the air (less 17A, 18A,dense-fluid-to-light-fluid- dense fluid) begins. Water level in 19A, 20,interface uptube fluctuates slightly as a 21A if the dense-fluid iswater, function of time. and light-fluid is air: uptube-water-level orwater-to-air-interface 105 4F, 5A-5D, 6 compression-Compression/Decompression decompression-chamber Chamber consisting ofcheck valves 20, 25, tube 30, and associated fluid valves 45 and 50 1067C, 7D, 23A, electronic-compression- Electronically actuatedCompression/ 24A decompression-chamber Decompression Chamber consistingof check valves 20, 25, tube 30, and associated fluid valves 45 and 50107 36 compression- Senses pressure in the compression-decompression-chamber- decompression chamber and reports pressure-sensorto electronic control equipment 120 110 17A, 18Alower-transition-expansion- Stores water and water pressure tankgenerated by falling buoyant-object. Recovers some portion of thebuoyant-objects kinetic energy acquired during its decent 117 6, 17A,solenoid-timing-motion- Provides timing and guided means 17C, 18A,control-rod control to regulate timing and in 18C, 19A, some casesdirect buoyant-object 75 19C, 20, motion. 22 120 15A-15H,electronic-control- Computer Control, timing, positions 16A-16M,equipment of buoyant-objects, and generic 17A-17H measurement andrecording system. Measures fluid levels, temperatures, pressures,electrical output and state of external controls such as emergency stopbuttons. 125 15A-15H, control-cables Control system wiring to allcontrol 16A-16M, points and sensors in system; also 17A, 18A, supplieselectric power when 19A, 20A, required. 21A, 22, 23A, 24A 130 1C, 2,structural-supports Various structural supports for 15A-15H, apparatus16A-16M, 17A-17C 18A-18C 19A, 20A, 21A, 22A, 23A, 24A 135 15A-15H,elevated-fluid-reservoir Storage for water at top of apparatus 17A-17Cwhich is used when refilling uptube 18A-18C during operation, used asnecessary 19A-19C, 20, 21A, 21C, 22 137 16A dam-structural-wall 14015A-15H, reservoir-electronic-control- Electronic water control valve to17A-17C valve control water flow from system 18A-18C elevated reservoirwhich is actuated 19A-19C, via computer control electronics 120 20, 21A,21C, 22 145 15A-15H, reservoir-fill-pipe Fill pipe connecting systemreservoir 17A-17C to top of apparatus 18A-18C 19A-19C, 20, 21A, 21C, 22150 15A-15H, upper-access-hatch Permits entry and exit into upper17A-17C transition. 18A-18C 19A-19C, 20, 21A, 21C, 22 160 15A-15H,electronic-water-drain-valve Electronic system drain valve 16A-16M 16218A high-pressure-electronic- water-drain-valve 165 17A, 18Adowntube-water-level- Water level sensor in downtube sensor 170 23A-23Huptube-water-level-sensor Water level sensor in uptube 175 15A-15H,water-pump Optional water pump to lift water to 17A, 18A, reservoir;Computer controlled pump 19, 20, 21, 22 180 15A-15H, water-pump-pipePipe from water pump to reservoir 17A, 18A, 19, 20, 21, 22 182 19Awater-pump-suction-pipe 185 15A-15H, pump-shutoff-valve Optional waterpump shutoff valve 17A, 18A, Computer controlled 19, 20, 21, 22 18715A-15H, water-pump-to-public- 17A, 18A, source-pipe 19, 20, 21, 22 19019A low-elevation-water-source 195 19A elevated-water 200 17A, 18Alower-expansion-tank- Lower check valve to ensure one way check-valvewater flow into lower transition expansion tank 215 15A-15H,upper-transition guided-means to transition buoyant- 17A-17C object 75from uptube to downtube; 18A-18C may contain the dense fluid to less19A-19C, dense fluid interface. If this fluid 20, 21A, interface is fromwater to air it may 21C, 22 not be pressurize (e.g. water and air meetat atmospheric pressure levels in FIG. 8). 216 19Aoptional-fluid-filtration- an optional fluid filtration system systemsuch as reverse osmosis to purify water. May be useful to eliminate saltfrom ocean or sea water for use in cities and farm irrigation 220 17A,18A lower-access-hatch Entry into apparatus located in thelower-transition. Used to repair and replace system parts whennecessary. 230 17A, 18A expansion-tank-output- control-valve 240 17A,18A external-water-supply water supply for apparatus either from apublic water municipality or from other external water supply such as anear-by lake or stream 245 5A-5D, 6, lower-transition region inapparatus containing 17A, 18A unpressurized dense fluid, it extends fromthe air-water interface in the downtube to the flapper of lower-swing-check valve 20 255 17A, 18A expansion-in-pipe Pipe connectingexpansion pipe to lower transition 265 15A-15Hpublic-private-fluid-disposal Public/private fluid disposal (e.g. sewerstorm drain for water) 270 15A-15H bottom-landing-pad Landing pad whichstops buoyant- 16A-16M object's decent at bottom ofCompression-Decompression chamber, also serves as stabilized base whenloading objects into buoyant-objects, at same height as entry ramp 27515A-15H uptube-ceiling Top of Uptube forming a Ceiling 16A-16M whichstops further elevation of the buoyant-object 280 1C, 2, ground-levelreference point elevation from which 15A-15H buoyant-object increase inelevation is measured; generally the mean local elevation of thesurrounding landscape 285 15A-15H water-tight entry-door Sealable watertight door into elevator Compression- Decompression Chamber 325 290 17Aemergency-stop-means Emergency stop solenoid rods to stop buoyant-objectdropping and to adjust drop timing 295 15A emergency-stop-switch FIG.17A: cuts power to electrical output circuits, inserts rods intodowntube to prevent next buoyant- object drop, regulates timing ofbuoyant-objects 305 15A-15H water-dump-pipe Pipe to public sewer orwater sink 265 from apparatus 310 15A-15H exit-ramp Downward slopingramp from water elevator exit 335 to elevated landmass/structure,permitting contents of buoyant-object to be removed from buoyant-object70 315 15A-15H elevated-landmass-structure an elevated landmass or thetop of a building structure that the buoyant- object will be levitatedto. 320 15A-15H, elevated-water-fill-pipe pipe from elevated water touptube 70. Used to refill uptube and entry chamber 325 15A-15H,elevator-compression- Primary fluid interface device for 16A-Mdecompression-chamber water elevator embodiment; chamber where water isfilled to lift buoyant- object after arbitrary mass has been placedinside buoyant-object; interfaces water in uptube to air environmentwhere buoyant-object can be loaded 365; composed of swing check valve370, compression- decompression-tube 365, high-pressure-equalization-tube 60, and attached electronic control valves 50and 160. 330 4E, standing-column-of-water Standing Column of Water15A-15H or 16A-16M standing-column-of-dense- fluid 335 15A-15Htop-exit-door Top exit from water elevator 340 15A-15H, top-landing-padLanding pad which stops buoyant- 16A-16M object's 75 ascent at top ofuptube 70, also serves as shock absorbing cushion, designed to makebuoyant- object door align with height as top exit ramp 310 345 15A-15H,buoyant-object-door Door of buoyant-object 75 16A-16M 350 15A-15Hcar-embodiment-of-an- Arbitrary mass represented by car, arbitrary-massthat is encapsulated in buoyant-object of FIG. 10D, 10E 352 10Eship-embodiment-of-an- Arbitrary mass represented by ship, 16A-16Marbitrary-mass that is encapsulated in buoyant-object of FIG. 10E 35515A-15H lower-water-level-sensor Water level sensor in compression-16A-16M decompression chamber 325 360 15A-15H swing-check-valve-flapperflapper of a swing check valve 16A-16M 365 15A-15H compression- watertube connecting the swing 16A-16M decompression-tube check valve to thebottom-landing- pad 270 370 15A-15H electronic-elevator-swing- swingcheck valve at top of elevator 16A-16M check-valve embodimentcompression decompression chamber 325 375 15A-15H buoyant-object-ballastBuoyant-object ballast used to 16A-16M modify the buoyancy (buoyanceforce vector) of the buoyant-object 75, ballast can be any heavy masslike water. Use of water for ballast permits changes in object buoyancywhen the water level in the ballast tanks are changed. This item becomesa ballast tank with a variable amount of water when water or other fluidis used as the ballast 376 15A-15H buoyant-object-ballast-tankBuoyant-object ballast tank used to modify the buoyancy (buoyance forcevector) of the buoyant-object 75, ballast can be any heavy mass likewater. Use of water for ballast permits changes in object buoyancy whenthe water level in the ballast tanks are changed. This item becomes aballast tank with a variable amount of water when water or other fluidis used as the ballast 380 15A-15H car-at-ground-level car at groundlevel before it is lifted to the elevated-landmass-structure 315 38515A-15H elevated-car car on elevated-landmass-structure 315 after exitfrom apparatus 390 15A-15H system-operator operator of the apparatus,who 16A-16M commands the apparatus to change 17A, 18A states 395 15A-15Hsystem-display-gui system display and graphic user 16A-16M interfacethat provides touch panel, 17A, 18A keyboard, and mouse interfaces toelectronic control equipment 120 via controls cables 125 and is utilizedand controlled by system operator 390 400 15A-15H swing-check-actuatoran electronically activated check 16A-16M valve flapper opening andclosing mechanism, shown here as an electronic solenoid whose rod workswith a sliding mechanism to open or close the check valve as needed. 40515A-15H moderately-elevated-water- a moderately-elevated-water-sourcesource used to refill elevator-compression- decompression-chamber 325instead of using the water source at the top of the water elevator 41015A-15H, ballast-tank-water-valve Valve to increase or decrease water16A-16M, ballast in buoyant-object 75′ 10D, 10E 415 10D, 10E,buoyant-object-power- Induction coil in buoyant-object 75; 15A-15Hinduction-coil inductively transfers power and 16A-16M control signal tobuoyant-object control valve to open valve which increases or decreasesthe water ballast 420 15A-15H lower-power-induction-coil Lower powerInduction coil; transfers 16A-16M power and control signal intobuoyant-object induction coil, which in turn controls valve in buoyant-object to open valve which increases or decreases the water ballast.Power & control signal issued by electronic- control-equipment throughcontrol cable 125 425 15A-15H upper-power-induction-coil Upper powerInduction coil; transfers 16A-16M power and control signal to buoyant-object induction coil, which in turn controls valve in buoyant-object toopen valve which increases or decreases the water ballast. Power &control signal issued by electronic- control-equipment through controlcable 125 430 15A, 15B mechanical-stop used to prevent buoyant-object 7515D, from prematurely descending when 15F15G, taking on additional waterin the 16A, 16B, ballast tank 375 16D, 16G, 16F, 16H, 16I 435 17A-17Hmoderately-elevated-water- pipe connecting the moderately source-pipeelevated water source to the elevator compress-decompression chamber 325via water valve 440. 440 17A-17H moderately-elevated-water-moderately-elevated-water-source- source-valve valve 445 17A-17Hwater-pump-intake-pipe pipe attaching to water pump and other endconnecting to the water source 455 16A, 16B, unelevated-ship ship beforeit has been elevated by 16G, 16F, 16H, water elevator. 16I, 16J, 16L 46016A-16M wall-of-dam wall of dam which holds back water 465 16A-16Muptube-water-fill-valve electronic water fill valve, that when open,permits water to enter the uptube from water at the top of the dam. 47016A-16M dam-wall-extension- an elevated water extension and overhangoverhang to the dam wall to permit the ship to exit the water elevatorinto an elevated water channel that is in fluid communication with thewater of the dam 475 16A-16M upper-ship-channel an elevated waterchannel that ship exits to when elevator is opened, water channel is influid communication with the rest of the dam water 480 16A-16Mupper-power-induction-coil- Upper power Induction coil; dam inductivelytransfers power and control signal to buoyant-object induction coil,which in turn controls valve in buoyant-object to open valve whichincreases or decreases the water ballast. Power & control signal issuedby electronic-control- equipment through control cable 125. The damembodiment upper power induction coil opens valve only untilbuoyant-object sinks to the elevation of the mechanical stop. Themechanical stop ensures that the valve is closed before completeemersion of the capsule. 485 16A-16M top-lock-gate lock gate at top ofship elevator 490 16A-16M elevated-ship ship embodiment of arbitrarymass that has been elevated to the top of dam 495 16A-16Mship-embodiment-of-an- arbitrary-mass 500 16A-16M lower-ship-channelconsists of the lower ship channel that is in fluid communication withthe interior of elevator-compression- decompression-chamber 325 whenlock-gate-to-compression- decompression-chamber is open 505 16A-16Mlock-gate-to-compression- lock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber decompression-chamber 506 12B, 13B, 18A-18Cbuoyant-object-ellipsoid- buoyant-object which is shaped as adual-magnetic-array ellipse with an internal magnetic array 507 13A, 13Cbuoyant-object-sphere- buoyant-object which is shaped as amagnetic-array ellipse with an internal magnetic array 521 11A-11Cbuoyant-object-flapper swing check valve flapper in a buoyant objectdesigned to lift and contain water in an internal chamber 522 11A-11Cbuoyant-object-flapper- swing check valve flapper pivot in a pivotbuoyant object designed to lift and contain water in an internal chamber523 11A-11C buoyant-object-flapper- swing check valve flapper weight ina weight buoyant object designed to lift and contain water in aninternal chamber, optional weighted for flapper ensures prompt closureand opening of internal swing check valve so as to quickly permit exitand entrance of dense fluid 524 11A-11C buoyant-object-flapper- swingcheck valve flapper ledge in a ledge buoyant object designed to lift andcontain water in an internal chamber 525 11A-11C buoyant-object-ellipse-buoyant-object which is shaped as a water-chamber ellipse with aninternal water chamber and gravity lid closures 526 11A-11Cbuoyant-object-light-fluid- entry-exit point for light fluid intoentry-exit swing check valve in a buoyant object designed to lift andcontain water in an internal chamber 527 11A-11Cbuoyant-object-dense-fluid- exit-entry point for dense fluid intoentry-exit swing check valve in a buoyant object designed to lift andcontain water in an internal chamber 528 10A-10C,buoyant-object-light-inner- inner core of buoyant object being 11A-11Ccore less dense than water 529 10A-10C, buoyant-object-dense-shellbuoyant object hard outer core 11A-11C 530 7A-7E solenoid-rod the rodthat moves in and out of a solenoid coil to actuate movement 535 7A-7Esolenoid-coil the coil of wire that when energized by an electriccurrent draws the solenoid into the coil so as to cause a movement ofthe solenoid rod 540 4A-4F, check-valve-flapper-pivot pivot point forswing check valve 5A-5D, flapper 7A-7E 545 4A-4F, check-valve-body bodyof swing check valve usually 5A-5D, often composed of metal or plastic7A-7E 550 4A-4F, check-valve-flapper flapper of swing check valve usedto 5A-5D, stop water flowing through swing 7A-7E check valve, restsagainst ledge and used in combination with seal 560 555 4A-4F,manual-swing-check-valve A manual swing check valve consisting of theswing check-valve- body 545, check-valve-flapper 550,check-valve-flapper-pivot 540, the check-valve-seal 560, and the check-valve-ledge 565. A three dimensional (3-D) front view of single swingcheck valve 555 is shown in FIG. 4A, its corresponding 3-D sectionalview is shown in FIG. 4B, and its two dimensional cross section is shownin FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D. 556 17A, 18A swing-check-valve-with- The manualswing check valve 555 float where the flapper is buoyant and or wheninstalled in an inverted position emergency-fluid-stop will close shutwhen water or other dense fluid in which said flapper is buoyant beginsto fill said swing check valve. This device is used to prevent fluidfrom rising beyond the buoyant flapper and in particular is often usedin this application to as an emergency stop mechanism to prevent fluidfrom filling the normally empty downtube 70. 557 7A-7D,electronic-swing-check- The manual swing check valve 555 18A, 18C valvewhere the flapper can be opened or closed via electronic means, such asa solenoid. 560 4A-4F, check-valve-flapper-seal Sealing means tosubstantially limit 5A-5D, fluid leakage from the attached check 7A-7E,valve. Especially useful when the check valve is holding up asignificant quantity of water and is subject to a large pressuredifferential between the top of the flapper and the bottom of the checkvalve flapper. 565 4A-4F, check-valve-flapper-ledge Ledge built intocheck valve body 5A-5D, 545 that the check valve flapper rests 7A-7E, onwhen closed, and which the check valve flapper seal rests on whensealing out the fluid and pressure above the flapper. 570 7A-7E,check-valve-sliding-means sliding means attached to the check valveflapper used by in the example electronic 557check valve for thesolenoid rod to open and close the flapper 576 12A-12Jbuoyant-object-inner- magnet-tube 577 12A-12J buoyant-object-inner-buoyant object with an inner magnet magnet 580 12A, 13D,buoyant-object-ellipsoid- elliptical buoyant object with one one-magnetinternal magnet 582 12C buoyant-object-ellipsoid- elliptical buoyantobject with multi multi-magnet-array magnet array 583 12F,buoyant-object-spheroid- elliptical buoyant object with three 17A-17Cthree-magnets-array magnets in the internal array 584 12E, 13Ebuoyant-object-spherical- spherical buoyant object with one one-magnetinternal magnet 585 12D, 12G, buoyant-object-with-water- buoyant objectwith internal water 12H chamber-two opposing- chamber, swing check valveflapper magnet closure, and two opposing magnets 590 20I, 20Jbuoyant-object-cylindrical- cylindrical buoyant object with oneone-diametrically-opposed- diametrically opposed magnet magnet 90014A-14C, gravity-wheel gravity wheel couples the downward 22 force ofgravity as in a water wheel 910 14A-14C, gravity-wheel's-internal-Internal wheel within the gravity 22 wheel wheel 900 that pivots about acentral axis that is mounted on sealed bearings. The Wheel peripheralspokes/blades extend to the edge of the mechanical housing where theyencounter a flexible sealing mean, which deters fluid leakage betweenthe liquid and the gaseous fluid sides of the device. As the wheelrotates, enclosed buoyant-objects are moved from the top of the deviceto the bottom while at the same time forcing internal wheel 910 downwardso as to turn central axis 950. 920 14A-14C, gravity-wheel-seal optionalliquid tight seal to make 22 gravity wheel perform better when handlingdense typically liquid fluids 940 14A-14C, gravity-wheel-pocket 22 94514A-14C, gravity-wheel-sealed- 22 bearings 950 14A-14C,gravity-wheel-central-axis 22 954 14A-14C, gravity-wheel-generator-support 965 14A-14C, gravity-wheel-upper- 22 downtube-connection 97014A-14C, gravity-wheel-external- generator 990 14A-14C,gravity-wheel-housing exterior housing of a wheel embodiment fluidinterface device 992 14A-14C, gravity-wheel-cover 995 14A-14C,gravity-wheel-lower- 22 downtube-connection 996 14A-14C,gravity-wheel-fluid- 22 entrance-tube 997 14A-14C,gravity-wheel-fluid-exit- 22 tube 1000 23A-23C lower-body-of-water- thelower fluid region in which the 24A-24C containing-fish fish are leavingfor the elevated fluid region 1001 23A-23C upper-body-of-water- anelevated fluid region in which the 24A-24C containing-fish fish aremigrating to 1005 23A-23C fish fish - in addition to being a living24A-24C object is represent a buoyant or partially buoyant-object, thatis variably buoyant under the fish's control. The fish also has its ownmotive power - that is it can swim. 1010 23A-23Clower-concentrating-fish- 24A-24C pond 1015 23A-23C fish-counter-sensorsensor to count fish which reports to 24A-24C electronic controlequipment 1020 23A-23C upper-fish-entrance-to-dam entrance to upper partof dam for fish 24A-24C 1025 23A-23C lower-fish-entrance-to-dam entranceto lower part of dam for fish 24A-24C 1030 23A-23Cstanding-column-of-water- pipe connecting upper dam to lower 24A-24Cpipe fluid interface device, filled with water 1035 23A-23Clower-fish-entrance-pipe lower entrance to dam which fish can 24A-24Cuse to enter bottom of dam 1040 23A-23C concentrating-fish-bottle upperwater chamber or fluid bottle 24A-24C near dam to congregate fish 104523A-23C lower-fish-bottle-swing- lower swing check valve that can be24A-24C check-valve closed to seal concentrating fish bottle and so asto permit fish to swim into the upper part of the dam 1050 23A-23Cfish-bottle-leak-valve valve from which water leaks so as to 24A-24Cform the upward current into the concentrating fish bottle 1055 23A-23Cleaking-water water leaking form the concentrating 24A-24C fish bottle1060 23A-23C upper-fish-bottle-swing- upper swing check valve that canbe 24A-24C check-valve closed to permit fluid leakage form concentratingfish bottle, or can be open to permit fish to swim into the upper partof the dam 1065 23A-23C fish-bottle-leak-valve-grate grate to preventfish from being 24A-24C drawn through the fish-bottle-leak- valve 107023A-23C fish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe pipe from which water leaks so as to24A-24C form the upward current into the concentrating fish bottle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

Lack of Scientific Credibility and Conservation of Energy

Possibly the greatest obstacle to any new energy generation system, isthat they often lack scientific credibility and scientific feasibility.Patents describing such systems often claim or imply that they cangenerate energy or provide greater than 100% power efficiency (e.g.DeShon U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,242, Bokel U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,132, Kwok2010/0307149 A1, and Francis 2012/0198833 A1). If they can indeedgenerate more electricity than they consume, then the root problemremains that a fundamental and basic question has not been adequatelydealt with in the prior art—that is: where does the energy come fromsince scientific law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed(only exchanged)? When the origin of the energy generated and exchangedby the patent's embodiments is unknown and unexplained the result isthat a knowledgeable scientist cannot and will not believe that theembodiment described is capable of creating energy out of thin air, andtherefore must be based on fraudulent principles. The corollary is thatno investor, once briefed by an educated scientist/engineer is likely tofund a venture based on such scientifically unsubstantiated claims andpremises. For this reason, the rational and scientific application ofthe laws of thermodynamics to the energy generation embodiment whichdescribes how the embodiment is capable of power generation, and howthat device is scientifically feasible, is as important as themechanical details of the embodiments. Hence an explanation showing howthe first law of thermodynamics is not violated by this patentapplication in particular is necessary, and results in a more detailedexplanation than might otherwise be warranted. In particular, theapplicant of the present application believes that a discussionconfirming that no laws of thermodynamics and physics need be broken bythe application of the principles used by this application's embodimentsis critical. Conceptual details of the various methods and concepts arealso important so as to teach how to facilitate tapping these sources.Additionally the conceptual description will provide furtherillumination as to why the prior art embodiments already available inthe patent literature may succeed to some degree, or possibly failcompletely, and why the prior art embodiments are clearly inferior tothe present application's technology.

Physics of Generating Energy from the Gravitational Field

The principles associated with buoyancy are said to have been firstdescribed by Archimedes of Syracuse in 212 BC, which can be roughlytranslated as “Any floating object displaces its own weight of fluid.”In more general terms the principles of buoyancy are known to apply toliquids, gases, or other fluids. While the subject matter surroundingbuoyancy involves the broader subject areas of fluid flow and fluiddynamics in general, only the more relevant facts and simplifiedformulation affecting the embodiments of this patent and existing priorart will be described herein.

Consider that the molecules of water in a column of water areaccelerated downward by the force of gravity, and the accumulated weightof those molecules creates a pressure as a function of depth from thesurface. In a real sense the pressure associated with fluid bodies suchas water tanks, water columns, lakes, oceans, and seas represents energystored by the gravitational field of the planet. Gravity compresseswater to the extent of 1 additional pound per square inch (psi) forevery 2.31 feet of water depth (head). The oceans, for example, are thusvast sources of stored energy generated by gravity in the form of waterpressure. Molecules, atoms, and material bodies that are suspended inand part of the fluid volume are independently subject to thegravitational force, with the heaviest molecules/atoms experiencing agreater downward force. The net result is a separation of atoms,molecules, and objects based on relative density, with atom, molecules,and material objects that are less dense than the surrounding mediumexperiencing a net upward force. We know this density separating forceas the force of buoyancy. For this reason, an object whose density isgreater than that of the fluid in which it is submerged tends to sink.Likewise an object that is less dense than that of the fluid in which itis submerged will float upward with the net upward force (buoyancy) thatis equal to the magnitude of the weight of fluid displaced by the bodyminus its true dry weight.

The molecules of any region, tank, or standing fluid column on theplanet are compressed by gravity such that there is a greater netpressure at the bottom of the fluid column as compared to the pressureat the top. Every day common experience show us that any buoyant-object(i.e. an object that weighs less than the fluid it displaces) that isinjected or pushed to the bottom of a fluid tank/region/column willeffectively “float” with an upward force (buoyance) to the top of thatfluid container. When that buoyant-object has been lifted above thelocal mean elevation represented by the bottom of the fluid tank, it hasalso increased its stored gravitational energy over and above what ithad when it was at the bottom of the same column/tank/region—butincreased by how much?

The buoyant-object of mass M, having increased its elevation to a newheight H above the local mean elevation, is said to have increased itsgravitational Potential Energy by an amount equal to PE=MGH, where G isthe near earth gravitational constant for this planet (9.8 m/seĉ2), andPE stands for potential energy in Joules, M is the mass in Kilograms,and H is height in meters). The object's buoyance is a force, which likeany force will accelerate the object, in this case upward so as todecrease the pressure it is experiencing, and in so doing, its motionalor kinetic energy (KE=½mv̂2) will increase, and its gravitationalpotential energy will also increase. Hence, the force associated withbuoyancy can do useful work against the force of gravity, and since itis a force acting over a distance, the upward floatation of the objectgenerates power in its own right (force times distance=work), and therate at which work is performed is defined as power.

Utilizing the force of buoyance to raise an object from the bottom of afluid pool to the surface is normally not going to generate net surplusof energy since one must somehow get the object back to the bottom ofthe pool before the cyclic process can be repeated. The force needed topush the object to the bottom of the pool is normally the same or morethan the amount of energy that is released when it floats to thesurface. This is because the gravitational force and the buoyancy forceof an object in a submerged fluid are known to be “conservative forces”or “conservative fields”; that is, the work done by gravity or buoyancein moving the object from one position to another is path-independent.Again, this means that forcing the object directly under the water inthe inverse direction on the path it followed during its upward course,or even via a different path taken to the bottom of the pool, requiresan equal or greater amount of energy/force to be applied to the objectbefore it reaches the bottom again. Using this simple example there isno net gain in energy provided by the object's buoyancy when the normaland conventional processes are utilized. This is an example of how theconservative buoyant field works, therefore the process just described(i.e. pushing the buoyant-object through the water directly to thebottom of the tank), even if it could be made 100% efficient, will neverliberate a net surplus of energy that can be made to do real work.

It is known from the laws of Thermodynamics that if a process orembodiment can do real work or generate power, then the energy acquiredby the embodiment must be taken from some existing energy source. Thelaw of conservation of energy, states that the total amount of energy inan isolated system remains constant over time, and that total systemenergy is conserved. What is known is that the total energy in thesystem can be transformed into other forms of energy such as heat,kinetic energy, electrical energy, or other forms of potential energy,but it cannot be created or destroyed. For example, since thegravitational field is conservative, the law of conservation of energystates that the energy gained by levitating an object to a height H in agravitational field (PE=MGH), can be converted to motion (kineticenergy) or to electrical energy, for example by rolling the object downa hill (increasing its kinetic energy).

What we do know by common observation is that if we can get anbuoyant-object of mass (weight) M to the bottom of a pressurizedcolumn/body of fluid (e.g. water) of height H, where the gravity hascompressed the fluid at 1 psi for every foot of water above the object,then the forces of gravity will effectively force the fluid moleculesdown around the object in such a way as to create an upward force wecall buoyancy. The buoyancy force acting on the object is proportionalto the weight of the fluid displaced by its volume minus its normalweight when not in the fluid. This buoyant force vector can do workagainst the gravitational field with a consequential increase in kineticenergy (its moving upward so it has kinetic energy) and its gain ingravitational potential energy is PE=MGH when it reaches the top. Theobject's energy increase can then be converted to other forms of energysuch as kinetic or electric energy if desired. In addition we know thatthe energy in the form of pressurized fluids on the planets is vast,generated naturally by the force of gravity, and is presently untapable.Yet in theory it might be available as a source for conversion to otherforms of energy by the law of conservation of energy given the properembodiment and the proper understanding of a suitable process.

The physics of conservative fields tell us that if we just force theobject back down through the fluid directly or indirectly to the bottomof the column, we know that it will consume all the energy we have justgained (or more). Therefore we conclude that it is impossible to havethe object follow the same path through the standing column in reverseif we plan to extract energy in a cyclic continuous fashion. But we alsoknow that there is energy stored by gravity in the standing column offluid (e.g. water) in the form of the compressed fluid molecules thatresult in the pressure difference between the top and the bottom of thecolumn of water. Conservation of energy tells us that the energy in asystem (the pressurized water) can be conserved and converted to otherforms of energy, and therefore we know that if our “system” isconsidered to include the energy of the compressed molecules in thecolumn of fluid, then this energy is theoretically available to do work.Lastly we conclude that if it is possible to extract the energy fromfluid pressure, it must be achieved through a novel and unique methodand/or embodiment that can be employed to find a different path to thebottom of the fluid column that “breaks the symmetry” of the twoconservative fields (buoyancy and gravity). Several methods employed byembodiments in this application will be described to break the symmetryof the conservative fields, and hence provide a practical means toextract and convert power from the gravitational field into useablepower that can be accessed on a daily, continuous basis.

One observation that makes the mass levitator possible and practical isthe simple understanding that the forces of gravity and buoyancy act “asif” there is a more fundamental physical law at work which they bothshare, namely: that both gravity and buoyance are a result ofdifferences in density, with the more dense substance “sinking” to thebottom, and the lighter substance “floating” to the top. They both act“as if” there is really only one force which is a density separatingforce. In this context gravity in air might be explained as matterfalling through the more dense “aether”. Hence when a hot air balloonrises its net density might be described as being actually less than thehypothetical surrounding “aether”, and the composite object float upwardagainst the force of gravity under such circumstances. The point here isnot to debate the existence of the “aether”, but to note that gravitycould be explained “as if” there is one. The relevance to this patent isthat the forces of buoyance and gravitation act “as if” they are linkedby this density separation pseudo-equivalency principle. The key is thatthis more fundamental law is not governed by the rules of a conservativefield. The new more generalized density separating force is not pathindependent, i.e. there are now at least two ways to transverse the samepath within the generalized density separating field: up via buoyancyand down via gravity. Using this new apparently more fundamental densityseparation law the limitations of the conservative gravitation field canbe broken, and energy can be extracted from the gravitational field ofthe planet.

To understand the impact and implications of what is written above,consider for a moment the possibility that the gravitational fieldstrength (i.e. G in PE=MGH) could be varied by some process or suitablemechanism (like an anti-gravity embodiment) so as to make the constant Gnegative such that any given object or mass M, of any size, shape,volume, or density floated upward (levitated) to an arbitrary height H.Once the object had gained the desired increase in potential energy(PE=MGH), G is changed to be positive again, the object falls, and theenergy gained in the upward elevating path is then converted to kineticenergy (e.g. by dropping it), or changed to mechanical energy (e.g. bylet the object/mass be a quantity of falling water and use a waterwheel), or by converting the kinetic energy to electrical power (e.g. bydropping a magnet through an induction coil). While there is noanti-gravity device to be found in this patent, the applicant shows hownearly the same results can be obtained through the concepts, processesand various embodiments outlined in this application. In particular, thenewly described density separating force or law, tell us that abuoyant-object floating upwards is equivalent to having a negativegravitational constant G′ during its upward motion, although G′ due tobuoyancy is generally of a lesser magnitude as compared to the Gassociated with normal gravity. Hence, G becomes effectively negativethe moment a buoyant-object is completely inserted into a fluid mediumthat is denser than the density of the composite object. Likewise G ispositive again when it is falling from its newly acquired height. One ofthe goals of this patent is to effectively switch the generalizedconstant of gravity from positive to negative at will via theembodiments of this patent, utilizing both forces of buoyance andgravity in the same embodiment, and to then convert the gain inpotential energy to the form of energy that is desired. Consider thefollowing game changing processes and methods to utilize the generalizeddensity separation law to break the symmetry of the conservative laws ofgravitation and buoyancy:

1. Changing the buoyance of an object as a function of time, such thatthe object is buoyant when “floating to the top”, and sinks bydecreasing the surface area, or weight of said object after it arrivesat the top of the tank. The ability to repeatable gain energy using thisrule depends on how much energy it takes to change the object's overalldensity.

2. Using two different paths of travel for the object in the twodifferent but related conservative fields (the buoyancy field followedby the gravitational field), such that the object “rises” by way ofbuoyancy in a tank of dense fluid, is removed from the dense fluid, andthen “falls” generating kinetic energy by way of the force of gravity.The process can repeat when the object reaches the entry point to thebottom of the tank. The ability to repeatable gain energy using thisrule depends on how much energy is required to inject the object intothe bottom of the dense fluid column where upon it begins to rise to thetop of the fluid column.

3. Some combination of 1 & 2 above.

As will soon become apparent an additional non-obvious key to such aprocess/embodiment lies in efficiently transitioning the object/massthrough the fluid interface formed at the junction of the two fluids(dense to light fluid or vice versa) and by effectively dealing with anyfluid pressure differences that exist between at fluid interfaceboundaries. As will be shown there can be two fluid interfaces (possiblymore), one at the top (e.g. water to air) and one at the bottom of thedevice (e.g. air to water), and at least one pressure differential thatrepresent a source of stored energy. Forces must be supplied to move theobject/mass across the fluid interfaces, and a suitable embodiment(consisting of at least one Fluid Interface Device abbreviated as “FID”)must be engineered to equalize, or otherwise deal with, the pressuredifferentials on the object/mass so that the object can enter the newfluid with the required fluid pressure. These Fluid Interface Devices(FIDs) should be engineered for minimal use of external power, forexample by utilizing the already existing forces of gravity and buoyancyif and when possible. It will also become apparent that if the FIDrequires more energy to insert and transition the object into the bottomof the standing dense fluid column that will be gained in potentialenergy upon its eventual buoyant elevation to new height H, than the FID(and the embodiment it is installed in) will be a failure with respectto facilitating the generation of energy. This lack of energy efficiencyis one of the primary reasons that US 2012/0198833 is completelynon-functional as depicted and described by Francis, where it has beenshown that there is not enough energy supplied through the gain inpotential energy to even move his “ball” through one closed loop cycle,even if no energy is extracted by his energy conversion device.

As previously stated the embodiments of this patent deal with theobjects/mass as if the gravitational constant can be changed frompositive to negative, hence the conservative nature of the gravitationalfield no longer applies. Therefore energy can be gained in the upwardfloatation of the buoyant-object and possibly coupled to do work, and itcan also be extracted and coupled to do work when the object is againsubject to the full gravitational potential in the downward stroke ofthe process.

Some of the implications of this new technology are listed below:

1. Energy generated can be increased by increasing the height that theobject/mass is levitated.

2. Energy generated can be increased by increasing the weight of theobject/mass that is levitated.

3. The greater the object's buoyance the faster the object will rise tothe surface and the greater will be the kinetic energy of the objectwhen it reaches the top.

4. The more objects/mass that can be elevated per second the greater thepotential power generated (power is energy per second) by thegravitational field.

5. Any object of any size can be made to float by enclosing said objectin a suitably shape buoyant capsule or object.

6. Existing bodies of water on the planet can be used as the densefluid, some of which are already elevated and this elevated fluidrepresents additional energy above and beyond the energy available dueto the pressure developed by the fluid height (head).

7. The existing atmosphere of the planet (i.e. air) can be utilized asthe light less dense fluid.

Some corollaries which will be manifested as embodiments are shownbelow:

1. An embodiment can be designed to act as a water elevator to lift anobject without necessarily generating power, and the buoyancy of theobject can be changed so to send the same or different object back downthe water elevator (see FIG. 16A).

2. If the buoyant-object contains a magnet or magnetic array and ismoving through an induction coil the magnetic fields will generatedelectric power (see embodiment FIG. 9, FIG. 17A, FIG. 18A).

3. If the object/mass contains internal induction coils and passed by orthrough a suitably directed magnetic field, (in the upward or downwardpart of the cycle) then the buoyant-object can obtain a source ofinternal power than can be utilized or transferred as needed within theobject/mass.

4. If the buoyant-object is design to pick up and contain a fluid (e.g.water) in its upward stroke than the embodiment can act as a pump (seeFIG. 19).

Methods of Mass Levitation and Energy Conversion from the GravitationalField

One of the important concepts associated with the embodiments disclosedherein is the ability to increase an object's potential energy bycapitalizing on the difference in fluids density; to effectively “float”a buoyant-object to a higher elevation using the dense fluid, and thento “sink” the same object in the lighter fluid so as to generate kineticenergy that can be converted into power. To continuously generate powerthe embodiment must also be able to cyclically accomplish thismethodology in a systematic, practical, and repeatable manner thatpermits energy to be recovered during each cycle. While the increase inpotential energy upon floating a balloon upward is well known, and theability of an object at the bottom of a fluid to float to the surfacewith an increase in elevation and potential energy is well known, theability to define a process and mechanism that can effectively extractenergy from the gravitation field using the generalized densityseparating force is novel and important. In particular, the ability tolift an arbitrary object of any given mass, size, and shape to anarbitrary height above the surrounding average ground level is a noveland important contribution to the current state of art.

Gravitation and the gravitationally compressed energy in the form offluid pressure, which is found naturally in every body of water on theplanet is utilized by embodiments of this patent to increase abuoyant-object's potential energy, where the buoyant-object is buoyant,partially buoyant, or variably buoyant in at least one dense fluid, and“sinks” in at least one light fluid. This stored energy represented bythe compressed molecules of the fluid is effectively tapped by theembodiment of this device to generate energy. Hence, it is possible tosay that the embodiments of this patent extract energy from the earth'sgravitational field. The energy so extracted is continuallyre-established by the gravitational field of the planet on a moment bymoment basis, hence the energy source that drives the apparatusesassociated with this patent is essential unlimited and continuouslyreplenished. Therefore the “closed system” that needs to be consideredwith respect to conservation of energy principles must include theentire earth, its mass, and its consequential gravitational field. Thereis no effective way to reduce the energy associated with the earth'sgravitational field no matter how much energy is extracted from theplanets gravitational field. This is true because the force of gravitycome from the mass of the atoms and molecules on the planet. Hence theembodiments of this patent can be considered a form of free, clean, andabundant energy. The device is not a perpetual motion machine since thesource of the energy is well known, having been identified above, asbeing supplied by and extracted from, the gravitation field of theplanet. Its exact method of extraction and useful embodiments thatprovide examples of such extraction methodology are contained in thefollowing paragraphs.

The embodiments associated with this patent work with the generalizeddensity separating force described above, which can be broken down intotwo force vectors that can do work and generate power independently ofeach other—the force of buoyance, and the general force of gravity. Aspreviously described fluid pressure differences are the reason that theforces associated with buoyance exist, and these pressure differentialsare instantly established whenever there is a standing body of water ofany height by the force of gravity. It is a goal of this patent to pointout how this source of energy can be tapped to do work/produce energyand to outline various novel embodiments that can practically make useof this novel means of extracting energy from the gravitational field.

The buoyant-object to be lifted can be of any size, shape, weight, ordensity as long as it will float in the more dense fluid (e.g. water).For an arbitrary mass M that does not float or cannot be subjected tothe lifting fluid directly, it is still possible to enclose thearbitrary mass M in an air/water/fluid proof capsule that has asufficient lift and buoyancy to float the composite object in theworking medium (see for example FIG. 15A). Hence, given a big enoughcapsule, and a suitably dense fluid lift medium, virtually any objectcan be floated from a lower to a higher elevation. The only requirementis that the combined object and capsule when joined and encapsulatedtogether provide a net buoyancy and upward lift force in the workingdense fluid. The potential energy gained upon reaching the new elevationcan then be converted to other forms of energy as desired. The next stepis to get this buoyant, possibly encapsulated object to the bottom ofthe fluid column in an energy efficient manner.

The various embodiments of this application include several means ofengineering and maintaining a standing column of fluid which extends toan arbitrary height H, while passing and transitioning buoyant-objectsthrough to said standing column of water using only the motive force ofgravity and buoyancy. The standing column is created or maintained abovethe surrounding average elevation through the use of a Fluid InterfaceDevice (FID), composed of a set of swing check valves that act as acompression-decompression chamber (e.g. see FIG. 4F-8D). In eachinstance one of the major purposes of the FID is to hold the entireweight of the standing fluid column and mitigate the associated pressureat the bottom of the fluid body, while still permitting and facilitatingthe passage of the desired object (buoyant-object) through themechanism.

FIG. 1C—Basic Open Loop Mass-Levitator

The various levitator embodiments in this application can existtypically as a closed or open system. In a simple open systemembodiment, such as the generalized and simplified embodiment of FIG.1C, the buoyant-object and/or the contents encapsulated by thebuoyant-object can enter and leave the embodiment as required, usuallyentering at the bottom and leaving at the “top” after being levitated,or vice versa when they are returned to ground level.

The generalized open system embodiment of FIG. 1C consists of abottom-Fluid-Interface-Device 16 (bottom-FID),top-Fluid-Interface-Device 17 (top-FID), dense fluid filled uptube 70,structural-supports 130, an optional energy-conversion-system 24, andone or more buoyant-objects 75—which are buoyant in the dense fluid 21but sink in the light fluid 22, where light fluid 22 is shown in FIG. 1Cas atmospheric air that surround the embodiment of FIG. 1C.Buoyant-objects 75 or material to be encapsulated into a buoyant-object75 are moved from the light fluid environment (e.g. air) into theinterior of the bottom-FID 16 via bottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18. Itis the responsibility of bottom-FID 16 to facilitate transport of thebuoyant-object 75 and any encapsulated material within buoyant-object 75into the dense fluid environment via suitable internal guiding means, toequalize any pressure difference between the bottom-FID 16 and theconnecting dense fluid in uptube 70, and to maintain the standing columnof dense fluid as buoyant-object 75 is moved from the light fluid to thedense fluid or vice versa. Note that if the standing column of densefluid is maintained, and does not collapse or leak out ofbottom-FID-exit-entrance 18, then it is also permissible to state thatone of the chief roles played by bottom-FID 16, is to also maintain theassociated pressure difference between the top and bottom of uptube 70(i.e., the water pressure difference between top-FID-door-to-dense-fluid29 and bottom-FID-door-to-dense-fluid 28). The maintenance of at leastone fluid pressure differential is common to all mass-levitator systems,and is therefore the responsibility of at least one FID in the system.

Bottom-FID 16 is attached to uptube 70 viabottom-FID-door-to-dense-fluid 28. Uptube 70 is filled with thedense-fluid 21 (usually water) in which the one for morebuoyant-object(s) 75 are buoyant in said dense fluid. Uptube 70 may beoptionally attached to an energy conversion system 24 to convertbuoyant-object 75's motion into other forms of energy such as mechanicalor electrical energy. If energy-conversion-system 24 is not presentuptube 70 continues upward and generally attaches directly to thetop-Fluid-Interface-Device (top-FID) 17 via top-FID-door-to-dense-fluid29. Top-FID 17 is connected to top-FID-door-to-light-fluid 19 to permitextraction or insertion of buoyant-objects 75 out of/into top-FID 17.

The generalized open system embodiment of FIG. 1C functions by way ofbottom-FID 16 transferring and guiding buoyant-objects 75 that enter thebottom-FID 16 through bottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18 from the lessdense fluid environment (e.g. air) at ground level 280 and transferringthem into the dense-fluid environment 21 (e.g. water) whilesimultaneously maintaining the standing column of dense fluid in uptube70 and the pressure differences between the top-FID, the bottom-FID andexterior light fluid (e.g. air). The buoyant-object 75 once havingentered the standing column of fluid formed by uptube 75 and thedense-fluid 21, is propelled upward since its net density is less thanthe dense of the surrounding dense fluid 21. Buoyant-object 75 continuesto move upward under the influence of the forces of buoyancy until itenters top-FID 17 via top-FID-door-to-dense-fluid 29. Next top-FID 17transfers and guides buoyant-object 75 again into the light fluidenvironment via top-FID-door-to-light-fluid 19. At this pointbuoyant-object 75 has been raised in a new elevation level against theforce of gravity. Assuming that water is used for dense-fluid 21, andatmospheric air is used as the light-fluid 22, the buoyant-object istaken from normal atmospheric conditions, placed in the bottom-FID 16,levitated via buoyancy, and is effectively transported and deposited onthe top of the embodiment with a consequential increase in elevation andpotential energy. This newly acquired potential energy can then beconverted to other forms of energy if desired. Optional energyconversion system 24 may or may not be present and if present may beutilized to couple the upward/downward motion of buoyant-object 75 intomechanical energy. If buoyant-object 75 carries one or more magnets andenergy-conversion-system 24 consists of coiled wire, then the motion ofbuoyant-object 75 will induce electrical pulses into the coil wire viathe Faraday Effect, hence providing one method of generating directelectrical power. Alternatively the exterior uptube could be surroundedin part with magnets that can induce power into coils within the movingbuoyant-object, thus furnishing the buoyant-object with a potentialsource of power.

The generalized open system embodiment of FIG. 1C as described so farprovides a one-way trip upward due to buoyancy, and is a form ofmass-elevator or mass-levitator. To reverse the process, that is topermit the mass-levitator's buoyant-objects 75 to descend back to groundlevel, buoyant-object 75 must change its overall net density (i.e. itmust be variably and controllably buoyant). This can be accomplished bytaking on some form of ballast (e.g. water) or by changing the surfacearea of the object (e.g. by deflating the buoyant-object). Specificexamples of this type of mass levitator will be provided by embodimentsFIG. 15A, 16A. In addition several variations of the simplemass-levitator will be provided (e.g. FIG. 23, FIG. 24) which providevery practical applications that solve slightly different real worldproblems.

FIG. 2—Basic Closed Loop Mass-Levitator

Additional functionality can be provided to the embodiment of FIG. 1C ifan explicit return path is provided for the buoyant-object. Such anembodiment configuration is shown in FIG. 2, and since all thecomponents are self-contained and do not leave the embodiment, it isconsidered for the purposes of this application to be a generalized“closed” system embodiment. In a closed system of FIG. 2, thebuoyant-objects and all components are self-contained and are generallynot entering and leaving the embodiment, except if repair is necessary.Various closed system embodiments can be devised to provide additionalfunctionality over the mass-levitator concept, by for example,permitting continuous generation of electrical power.

The closed system embodiment of FIG. 2, consists of the same internalparts as the generalized open system embodiment of FIG. 1C (bottom-FID16, top-FID—17, bottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18,top-FID-door-to-light-fluid 19, dense-fluid 21, energy-conversion-system24, uptube 70, buoyant-object 75, and structural supports 130) but inaddition it contains light-fluid 22 filled downtube 40 that acts as anexplicit return path for the buoyant-object 75, and an additional butoptional energy conversion system 24 on this downward return path.Buoyant-Object 75 no longer is moved into or out of the system as awhole, but instead continuously circulates within the closed circularloop that is formed by the bottom-FID 16, bottom-FID-door-to-dense-fluid28, uptube 70, top-FID-door-to-dense-fluid 29, top-FID 17,top-FID-door-to-light-fluid 19, and downtube 30 which again connects tobottom-FID 16 via bottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18. To be explicit,buoyant-objects 75 that enter bottom-FID 16 viabottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18 are transported and guided from thelight-fluid 22 environment by bottom-FID 16 into the dense-fluid 21environment by exiting bottom-FID-door-to-dense fluid 28.Buoyant-objects 75 having entered uptube 75, which contains dense-fluid21, become buoyant and “float” upward through energy-conversion-system24 until they reach the top of uptube 75. Buoyant-object 75 will befloated to the top of uptube 70 with a transit time that is relatedinversely to the working fluid's viscosity and directly proportional toits net upward force defined by its buoyancy in the fluid media. Thebuoyant-object 75, having reached the top of uptube 70 then entertop-FID-door-to-dense-fluid 29 while still being propelled upward by theforce of buoyancy. Top-FID 17 then transfers and provides guiding meanfor buoyant-object 75 to move from the dense-fluid 21 to the light-fluid22. When buoyant-object 75 enters downtube 30 it is no longer buoyant,and if light-fluid 22 is sufficient light (e.g. gaseous like air) thenbuoyant-object 75 drops, sinks, and accelerates downward under the fullforce of gravity. Some fraction of the developed kinetic energy can thenbe converted to other forms of energy such as mechanical, electrical, orheat by energy-conversion-system 24. The cyclical process repeats whenbuoyant-object 75 again enters bottom-FID 16 throughbottom-FID-door-to-light-fluid 18. Given that the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 can be made to extend to any height H, it can likewise host avery large number of buoyant-objects that are in continuous motion within the embodiment. Also consider that buoyant-object 75 can beengineered in virtually limitless shapes and sizes. In fact extremelylarge buoyant-objects are possible and are only subject to theconstraints that they fit smoothly within enclosing uptube 70 anddowntube 30. Given that the uptube 70 and downtube 40 can be engineeredto be as large as current technology will permit, potentially enormousbuoyant-objects are possible. The bottom line implication is thatembodiment 2 can be scaled to generate very significant amounts of powergiven suitably energy efficient fluid interface devices (FIDs). Thetopic of creating practical energy efficient FIDs will be taken upshortly.

An estimate of the power that can be generated by embodiment 2 when thebuoyant-object 75 is dropped from height H can be obtained by notingthat a given buoyant-object has increased its potential energy uponreaching its new elevation above ground-level 280. Some fraction of thepotential energy can be converted to kinetic, electrical or mechanicalenergy where the percent conversion is a function of how efficient thegeneralized energy conversion system 24 is at converting kinetic energyto the new form of power. The estimated increase in Potential Energy(PE) is calculated via common laws of physics to be given by thequantity PE=MGH (where M=object mass, G is the constant ofgravitation—nominally 32 ft/seĉ2, and where H is the height gained bybuoyant-object 75). Since power is energy per second, the estimatedpower generation capability is directly related to the number ofbuoyant-objects 75 that enter the downtube per second, the mass orweight of the buoyant-object 75, and the height H. To provide someconcrete numbers, suppose the buoyant-object is a twenty inch diameter(10 inch radius) sphere weighing about 100 lbs. Its 4188 cubic inches ofvolume will displace about 151 lbs of water, and have an upward buoyancyforce equivalent to 51 lbs directed upward. The same twenty inchdiameter sphere will have gained 15.4 kJ of potential energy when it hasbeen elevated to a height 100 ft about its starting elevation. If onesuch buoyant-object per second is converted to electrical power at 90%efficiency, the mass-levitator system will generate 13.86 kW ofsustained power. This is the power that is release due to the downstroke only. There is also the surplus 51 lbs of force that is used tomove the buoyant-object upward to height H—this power is not included inthe above estimate. Given that a sphere's volume increases as the cubeof the radius (volume_(sphere)=4/3?r3 where r is the radius), the powerof the mass-levitator will also scale as the cube of a sphericalbuoyant-object's radius, hence a 10 times increase in the radius willyield a 1000 times increase in the power generated.

These above numbers are predicated on the premise that the energy toinset the buoyant-object into the bottom of the uptube 70 by a suitableFID can be done using some small fraction of the total energy that isgenerated by gravity and buoyancy. If not then, like Francis's2012/0198833 the proposition of a working energy generating embodimentwill not be possible. Such efficient FID will be described inassociation with the detailed description for FIG. 4A through FIG. 8.

Hence a close system embodiments such as the simplified embodiment ofFIG. 2, provides novel and non-obvious methods, processes, andmechanisms that can facilitate the direct conversion of the acquiredpotential energy to useable power. To be even more specific variouselectrical generation embodiments utilizing the general closed loopsystem of FIG. 2, but with specific types of FIDs and energy conversiondevices described in detail, will be described in later sections of thispatent (see for example the text associated with FIG. 17A).

FIG. 3—Generalized Mass-Levitator

The more abstract closed system block diagram of FIG. 3, is a logicalextension of FIG. 2 in which FIG. 2's bottom fluid interface devices 16and top fluid interface device 17 are generalized to N+1 fluid interfacedevices, where N is some arbitrary integer N greater than or equal to 2(i.e. there can be 3, 4, 5, 6 . . . N+1 FIDs in FIG. 3). The bottom andtop fluid interface devices still exist in FIG. 3 as items 16 and 17respectively; however N−2 additional middle fluid interface devices 23have been added. Similarly FIG. 2's one dense-fluid 21 occupying uptube70 and one light fluid 22 occupying downtube 40 become FIG. 3's Ngeneralized dense fluids regions 21, and N generalized light fluidsregions 22 that are not necessarily constrained within uniform pipes ortubes. Given that any fluid body or container could be utilized to hostbuoyant-objects, the dense and light fluids are represented byrectangles of FIG. 3 are used to represent the more general case. FIG. 3shows a cut-away section between FID 6th and FID N−1 to symbolize thevariable nature of N. Buoyant-objects 75 have not been included in FIG.3 so as to simplify the drawing, however each of the FIDs in the systemwork in an analogous manner to their FIG. 2 counterpart. Buoyant-objects75 arriving within bottom FID 16 are transported and guided upward intothe 1st dense-fluid 21, and then subsequently guided and transportedupward through N successive FIDs and fluid regions until they entertop-FID 17. Top-FID 17 then transports and guides the buoyant-objectinto the Nth light-fluid 22, where the buoyant-object falls through tothe next FID (FID N−1), and so on until the buoyant-object again arrivesat the bottom-FID 16. The close system cycle of rising and fallingbuoyant-object can then continue with a new cycle. An optionalenergy-conversion system box 24 has been added to every Fluid and everyFID to denote the possibility that the motion through the FID or themotion through the fluid region could be converted to electrical ormechanical power if so desired.

To be more specific the generalized embodiment of FIGS. 1C, 2, and 3 aremeant to represent simplified templates for the embodiments that will bedetailed in this application. It is also possible to couple templatestogether through multiple FIDs which connect multiple fluid regionstogether as in FIG. 18A, and FIG. 24A.

The embodiments of this application can generally be described,organized, and categorized using one or more of the following criteria:

-   -   a. consisting of two or more continuously connected fluid        regions/columns attaching to or contained within said apparatus        and where        -   i. differing fluid region/columns:            -   1. are defined by fluid regions/columns contain                differing fluid types or densities, or (e.g. see FIG.                17A),            -   2. by the same fluid on both sides of said fluid                interface but with differing fluid pressure levels                between the said fluids as measured at said fluid                interfaces spanning said fluid regions/columns, (e.g.                Fig. see 24A),    -   b. containing one or more buoyant-objects in one or more said        regions (for more details of buoyant-object types see        description associated with FIG. 10A-FIG. 13D, for example of        embodiment containing many buoyant object see FIG. 17A-22),    -   c. consisting of one or more Fluid Interface Devices (FIDs)        located at the interfaces of adjoining regions, that are in        fluid communication with, and continuously connect, said fluid        regions (see FIG. 17A-22), with        -   i. means to connect and substantially maintain relative            fluid separation and associated pressure differential            between adjacent fluid regions,        -   ii. guided and motive transport means to transit and urge            arbitrarily shaped buoyant-objects out of the initial fluid            region, through the fluid interface device, into the            adjacent fluid region,        -   iii. means to facilitate any fluid type changes,            transitions, and mixtures that occur during said            buoyant-object's transition between said fluid regions,        -   iv. means for buoyant-object upon exit from the interface            mechanism into one or more buoyant fluid regions for            buoyant-objects to rise in the buoyant fluid region            according to the principals and laws associated with            buoyancy so as to do work against the gravitational field,            possibly giving up energy to mechanical device in the course            of the buoyant-object's accent, and ultimately increasing            the buoyant-object's potential energy which is increased            when the buoyant object reaches a more elevated level within            the buoyant fluid region,        -   v. and where one or more said fluid interface devices:            -   1. maintain fluid communication between said regions            -   2. maintain the relative pressure differential between                said regions,                -   and may optionally:            -   3. maintain relative height and volume of the said                regions,            -   4. prevent fluid flow from one region to the next,            -   5. mitigate fluid flow or leakage from one region to the                next,            -   6. monitor fluid leakage and flow between adjacent                regions and through said interface mechanism,            -   7. monitor pressure difference between adjacent regions,            -   8. maintain fluid separation between said regions when                the regions consist of differing fluid types,            -   9. accept commands and control various computer                controlled devices with said interface mechanism from an                internal control system,            -   10. monitor pressure within various chambers within the                interface mechanism and report to status to an internal                control system,            -   11. adjust pressure within various chamber in the                interface mechanism optionally from an internal            -   12. monitor the presence of buoyant-objects within the                interface mechanism and report to status to an internal                control system,            -   13. control the progress, speed, and position of                buoyant-objects within the interface mechanism                optionally from an internal control system,            -   14. monitor fluid levels within various chamber within                the interface mechanism and report to and provide status                to an internal control system,            -   15. adjust fluid levels within various chambers within                the interface mechanism optionally from an internal                control system,            -   16. monitor fluid temperature within various chambers of                the interface mechanism,            -   17. adjust fluid temperature within various chambers of                the interface mechanism optionally from an internal                control system,            -   18. convert buoyant-object motion into other forms of                energy such as mechanical, electrical, or heat,    -   d. consisting of an optional automatic control system with one        or more components to:        -   i. monitor, report, control system sensors, switches,            valves, and other controllable devices within said            apparatus,        -   ii. provide user interfaces into said automatic control            system,        -   iii. optionally control system timing including:            -   1. flow of buoyant-objects through interfaces                mechanisms,            -   2. flow of buoyant-objects to energy conversion systems,                if any,        -   iv. optionally control system state which may including but            is not limited to:            -   1. stop system,            -   2. start system,            -   3. emergency stop,            -   4. initial system fluid fill,            -   5. place in maintenance state,        -   v. monitor, control, report on the energy conversion systems            which may include but are not limited to:            -   1. voltage,            -   2. current,            -   3. total power out,            -   4. phase of waveform,            -   5. frequency of waveform out,            -   6. position of buoyant-object in conversion system,    -   e. consisting of guided means within said fluid regions to        direct buoyant-objects by way of the walls, internal surfaces,        internal contours, structures, chambers, and mechanisms within        said apparatus such that when said buoyant-object is in motion        under the motive forces of gravity and buoyance, the guided        means provide sufficient motional control and direction to said        buoyant-object to ensure the transit of said buoyant-object        between and through fluid regions, interface mechanisms, and        optional energy conversion systems.    -   f. An energy conversion system where:        -   i. one or more material object's having acquired an increase            in potential energy, can optionally convert said potential            energy to other forms of energy such as kinetic, electrical,            mechanical, or heat energy,        -   ii. the upward motion from buoyant-objects and fluid motion            generated said buoyant-object by the force of buoyance is            mechanically coupled,    -   g. where one or more said buoyant-objects are optionally        provided a closed system return path by said guided means for        the buoyant-object to make a circular path through said        apparatus and re-enter in succession each interface mechanisms        and each fluid regions in a cyclic fashion so as to permit a        continuous cyclic process of mass elevation, possibly followed        by energy conversion of the potential energy gain through said        process,    -   h. where said material objects are typically unlinked and        otherwise unconnected to each other such that they do not        directly drive mechanical mechanisms such as gears, chains,        pulley, generators, etc. by way of such connections,    -   i. where said material object can be rigid uncompressible        objects and are not required to change their internal buoyance        in the said one or more dense fluids in which the said material        object is buoyant,    -   j. where said apparatus does not require compressed gases to        provide the power for the fluid interface mechanisms,    -   k. a linear induction energy converter consisting of:        -   i. one or more induction coils consisting of N turns of            conductive wire,        -   ii. a multiplicity of encapsulated objects of varying            possible shape, and each containing one or more magnetic            arrays, or a single purposely oriented magnet,            -   1. where said magnetic arrays consist of one or more                pieces of magnetizable material,            -   2. that physically orients and arranges the composite                magnetic fields of said magnetic arrays so as to                increase the rate of change of magnetic flux and induced                voltage, that is generate, when said encapsulated                objects are dropped or rolled through said one or more                induction coils,        -   iii. guided means for encapsulated objects to roll or drop            through induction coils,        -   iv. induction coils oriented such that encapsulated object            approaches, pass through and exit said coils by means of            said guided means,        -   v. electronic pulse conversion system, that            -   1. electrically adds said induction coil waveforms from                one or more said induction coils constructively and                converts said electrical pulses into electrical                waveforms of known phase, frequency, and voltage,        -   vi. induction coils that are in electrical communication            with said electronic pulse conversion system so as to            transfer induced electric power to said electronic pulse            conversion system,        -   vii. encapsulated objects containing magnetic arrays which            have been elevated in height and potential energy            sufficiently such that said encapsulated objects can            exchange their acquired potential energy for electrical            energy by way of the their exchange of potential energy, for            linear and rotational kinetic energy generated by the            gravitation field of the planet upon dropping or rolling            said encapsulated objects through said one or more said            induction coils via said guided means,        -   viii. optional elevating-means to systematically,            repeatedly, and cyclically elevate said buoyant-objects, or            encapsulated objects containing magnetic arrays via            additional guided means to the required elevation and            potential energy and drop them through said guided means and            said induction coils,        -   ix. optional collection-means to systematically, repeatedly            and cyclically collect encapsulated objects and transition            said encapsulated objects to said elevating-means,        -   x. Optional control-system-means to control, monitor, and            record electronic pulse conversion system's parameters,            states, and encapsulated objects positions and timing            through induction pulses.

FIG. 4A-24C provide many explicit descriptions, explanations, specificembodiments, and examples of the above summary description and its manyoptional parts.

The fluid interface device of this application also make use of thefollowing principles:

1. It is possible to create a standing column or region of dense fluidof arbitrary height H, through the use of a fluid interface device,where:

-   -   a. the bottom of the dense fluid region exists at a higher        pressure relative to the top of the fluid column due to the        force of gravity which have compressed the molecules of the        dense fluid; and    -   b. the fluid can be any dense fluid such as water, salt water,        water with antifreeze, oil, mercury etc.

2. It is possible to create various types of fluid interface devicesthat:

-   -   a. use significantly less energy to insert and transition the        buoyant-object into the dense fluid region that it gains in        gravitational potential energy when it float to the top of the        dense fluid region.    -   b. can lift and transition the buoyant-object out of dense fluid        when it reaches the top of the dense fluid.    -   c. use significantly less energy to lift and transition the        buoyant-object of out of dense fluid, than the energy it gains        in gravitational potential energy when it float to the top of        the dense region of fluid.    -   d. can utilize the forces of buoyancy and gravitation as the        motive power required to drive the fluid interface device.

Fluid Interface Devices

FIG. 4A-4F The Role of Swing Check Valves

One type of Fluid Interface Device (FID) that can be used to efficientlyinsert buoyant-objects into the bottom of a standing column/region ofwater may be comprised of swing check valves as shown in FIG. 4A throughFIG. 4F. It should be appreciated that many other types of gates can beused as the FIDs. The manual swing-check-valve designated as number 555in various views depicted in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4F consist of theswing check-valve-body 545, check-valve-flapper 550,check-valve-flapper-pivot 540, the check-valve-seal 560, and thecheck-valve-ledge 565. A three dimensional (3-D) front view of singleswing check valve 555 is shown in FIG. 4A, its corresponding 3-Dsectional view is shown in FIG. 4B, and its two dimensional crosssection is shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D. FIG. 4C shows swing-check-valve555 with check-valve-flapper 550 open and indicated as filled withdense-fluid 21 through the use of the ANSI graphical symbol for liquid,since liquid, and water in particular, is the most common dense-fluid 21envisaged for this application, while FIG. 4D shows the sameswing-check-valve 555 with check-valve-flapper 550 shut and shownagainst a blank white background to represent an empty check-valve thatis filled with the light but invisible light-fluid 22 such as air atatmospheric pressure. Swing-check-valves 555 are generally used topermit one-way passage of fluids, that is, liquid can flow in thedirection that permits the check valve flapper 550 to swings open. Theyare typically used in plumbing applications and fluid engineering toprevent liquid back flow since check-valve-flapper 550 will swing shutdue to a liquid flow in the reverse direction. When the flow of liquidreverses the negative fluid pressure closes check-valve-flapper 550 anda liquid tight seal is made between check-valve-flapper-ledge 565 andcheck-valve-flapper-seal 560. If liquid is flowing upward due tosufficiently high liquid fluid pressure, then swing-check-valve 555 willopen and the flowing liquid will fill the pipe above the check-valve 555to some height H above the swing-check-valve 555's flapper. If the waterflow is shutoff, the check-valve flapper 550 will shut closed againstcheck-valve-flapper-ledge 565 and check-valve-flapper-seal 560 willprevent the standing column of liquid 330 above check-valve-flapper 550from collapsing (FIG. 4E).

If swing-check-valve 555 contains water, as in illustrated by FIG. 4E,the weight of the standing-column-of-water 330 (1 cubic foot=62.4pounds) is held up entirely by check-valve-flapper 550 and itscheck-valve-seal 560. There is also a considerable fluid pressuredifferential from the top of this column equivalent to 1 pound persquare inch (psi) for every 2.31 feet of water (head) abovecheck-valve-flapper 550. For a very large standing-column-of-water 330,as shown in FIG. 4E, there may be very large associated liquid pressuresand force (in the form of downward fluid weight) uponcheck-valve-flapper 550, and some degree of leakage is possible but thewater flow is substantially mitigated through the swing check valve.FIG. 4E shows the same check valve as in FIG. 4D, but with itscheck-valve 555 filled with water and with an additional tube of waterthat will be noted as the uptube 70 on top of swing-check-valve 555. Inaddition FIG. 4E shows a single buoyant-object 75 below the flapper ofswing-check-valve 555, that is floating upward towardcheck-valve-flapper 550. Since buoyant-object 75 is buoyant indense-fluid 21, buoyant-object 75 will float upward until it reached thebottom of check-valve-flapper 550 where its upward buoyancy force vectorwill be applied to check-valve-flapper 550. Under normal circumstancesthe weight of standing-column-of-water 330 would be applied to the topof check-valve-flapper 550, and the relatively smaller upward force fromone buoyant-object would not be sufficient to open check-valve-flapper550. However, consider the condition where the pressure differentialbetween the fluid on the top versus the pressure at the bottom ofcheck-valve flapper 550 are equal. Then under this condition, and givena sufficiently buoyant buoyant-object 75, the upward force vectorapplied to the underside of check-valve-flapper 550 would opencheck-valve-flapper 550 and buoyant-object 75 would rise within uptube70 to the top of standing-column-of-water 330. The only apparentdifficulty with having only one check valve acting as a fluid interfacedevice is that the standing column of water 330 will collapse when thebuoyant-object 75 opens the flapper, that is unless the pressure underthe flapper is equalized, or unless there is another closed check valvebelow the first to prevent the possibility of the fluid column fromcollapsing.

To make a working Fluid Interface Device (FID) that prevents thecollapse of standing-column-of-water 330, consider FIG. 4F whichconsists of two swing-check-valves 555, and the chamber that is formedbetween the flappers when both check-valve-flappers 550 are closed. In aworking FID the pressure on either side of check-valve-flapper 550pressure needs to be controlled via suitable mechanisms so thatbuoyant-object 75 can move through the swing-check-valve 555 to the topof standing-column-of-water 330 without spilling the dense-fluid 21. Thenovel mechanism to accomplish such an end consists of the dualswing-check-valve structure shown in FIG. 4F, which in this applicationis designated as compression-decompression-chamber 105. To be specificcompression-decompression-chamber 105 includes upper-swing-check-valve25 and lower-swing-check-valve 20 which are exact copies of theswing-check-valve 555 as shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D.Lower-swing-check-valve 20 and upper-swing-check-valve 25 are connectedtogether in the middle by a tube or pipe (or other conduit) designatedas compression-decompression-tube 30. In addition,high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 connects the top ofupper-swing-check-valve 25 to a connection point belowupper-swing-check-valve 25 but above lower-swing-check-valve 25'sflapper 550. Similarly low-pressure-equalization-tube 55 connects thetop of lower-swing-check-valve 20 to a connection point belowlower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550. Water can be directed andcontrolled through high-pressure-equalization-tube 55 and 60 by way of afluid control valves which can be either mechanically actuated(opened/closed) or electronically actuated. In FIG. 4F there are twofluid valves (45,50) both of which are electronically controlled so asto take advantage of computer control technology, but which could beopen by hand, or via mechanical leverage in other system designs. Henceelectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 and 45 can be opened or closedvia a suitable electrical voltage being applied to the valve solenoidsto equalize the pressure on either side of the correspondingcheck-valve-flapper 550.

FIG. 5A-5D Time Progression of Buoyant-Object Through Swing Check ValveFID

To more fully understand how the swing-check-valve embodiment of a FIDworks, consider the time order sequence of diagrams shown as FIG. 5Athrough FIG. 5D. FIG. 5A through 5D consist of two swing-check-valves555 configured as a compression-decompression-chamber 105 exactly thesame as in FIG. 4F, however in addition there is a hooked-shaped tube orpipe attached that is designated as the lower-transition 245, which isalso filled with dense-fluid 21, and which is capable of smoothlypassing and guiding buoyant-object 75 through its interior spaces. Theaddition of lower-transition 245 to compression-decompression-chamber105 results in a simple swing-check-valve FID, that is capable ofmaintaining a standing-column-of-water 330 as in FIG. 4E and is capableof guiding and transitioning a buoyant-object through the FID in anefficient manner.

Buoyant-objects 75 are shown in time phased snapshots within FIG. 5Athrough FIG. 5D to note the time progression of buoyant-object throughthe FID. The time sequence starts in FIG. 5A where buoyant-object 75 isapplying its upward force provided by it buoyancy againstlower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550. The pressure on either side oflower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550 is equalized (made the same) bymomentarily opening electronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45, in whichcase a very small amount of fluid is transferred (usually measured indrops if the fluid is nearly incompressible like water)—but the exactamount of fluid that will flow depends on the pressure differential, theexact type of fluid, and the size of the chamber that exists between thetwo check valve flappers 550. When the pressure is equalized between thetop and bottom of lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper buoyant-object75, which is buoyant in dense-fluid 21 will lift check-valve-flapper 550and buoyant-object 75 will rise upward until it rests underupper-swing-check-valve 25's flapper as shown in FIG. 5B. At this pointthe lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550 will close due to gravityas shown in FIG. 5C. Once lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550 isclosed electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 is opened and a smallamount of fluid will flow through high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 soas to compress the fluid between the flappers of upper-swing-check-valve25 and lower-swing-check-valve 20. At this point buoyant-object 75 willpush open the flapper of upper-swing-check-valve 25 and it will rise tothe top of standing-column-of-water 330 if a dense-fluid 21 filleduptube 70 exist above it as in FIG. 4E. Therefore FIG. 5A through 5Dshow a compression-decompression process/cycle, whereby buoyant-objects75 enters compression-decompression chamber 105 by forcing openswing-check-valve-flapper 550, the flapper closes, the chamber ispressurized to the upper fluid level pressure. Then buoyant-object 75opens the top swing-check-valve-flapper 550, and floats to the top ofthe fluid column above compression-decompression chamber 105. Thecompression-decompression chamber 105 is then decompressed to beequalized to the fluid pressure level on the underside oflower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper and the process is then ready torepeat.

FIG. 6—Gravitational Motive Force Transitioning Buoyant-Object ThroughSwing-Check-Valve FID

FIG. 6 shows the contents of FIG. 5D (compression-decompression-chamber105, lower-transition 245) plus the addition of downtube 40 (i.e.additional tubing/pipe connected above lower-transition 245 containinglight fluid 22), several buoyant-objects 75 which have been added tolower-transition 245, plus solenoid-timing-control 117. FIG. 6 alsodepicts dense-fluid 21 filling lower-transition 245 up tolight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35, while downtube 40 is filledwith light-fluid 22. In general, if the overall density ofbuoyant-object 75 is 75% of the surrounding dense-fluid 21, then 25% ofbuoyant-object 75's total weight will be directed upward as if gravityhas been reversed, that is when buoyant-object 75 has been completelyimmersed in dense-fluid 21. Suppose that under the 75% loading conditionbuoyant-object 75 weights 0.75 pound, and displaces 1 pound of water,then each buoyant-object 75 generates 0.25 pounds of upward force due tobuoyancy and therefore four such 1 pound buoyant-object will generate anupward force of 1 pound. Said another way, 4 or more buoyant-objects canlift 1 other buoyant-object above the water line, likewise 3 buoyantobjects can be pushed under the fluid line by only one buoyant object.In FIG. 6 there are 5 buoyant-objects above the fluid line 35, andapproximately 9 buoyant-objects below the waterline pushing upward onthe right of lower transition 245. Above thelight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 five buoyant objects 75collectively weigh 3.75 pounds, and exert 3.75 pounds of downward forcedue to gravity on the buoyant objects belowlight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35. The 9 buoyant-objects below thelight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 exert an upward force of 2.25lbs due to their 0.25 pounds each of upward buoyancy, such that there isa net downward force of 1.25 lbs resulting in the entire column ofbuoyant objects moving downward under the motive force of gravity.Therefore, under the 75% loading condition it takes 1 buoyant-object 75above the light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 to push 3 otherbuoyant-objects 75 below the light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35. Inthe same manner the 6 buoyant-objects to the left of the center oflower-transition 245 are directing an accumulated force upward towardlower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550 of 1.5 pounds.

Hence under the 75% loading condition it will take only 3buoyant-objects 75 above light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 to pushthe 9 buoyant-objects in the right half of lower-transition 245 belowthe light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 when they are each uniformlyloaded to 75% of the dense-fluid 21's density. Other loading conditions(e.g. 60% or 80% loading) will require more or less buoyant-objects topush the submerged buoyant-objects below the fluid level, however it isclear from this discussion and FIG. 6 that it is possible for gravityalone to push stacked buoyant-objects downward to the point where theybegin to float upward again due to their own internal buoyancy.

As FIG. 6 illustrates buoyant-objects 75 can form a continuous stringfrom the top of the stack, where the buoyant-objects 75 are experiencingthe full force of gravity above the light-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface35 to the bottom of lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper 550. Thebuoyant-object 75 directly below lower-swing-check-valve 20 is beingforced upward due to the buoyancy of all the buoyant-objects 75 belowit, and due to the buoyant-objects that are being forced downward and tothe left by the buoyant-objects abovelight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35. The end result is that severalbuoyant-objects 75 can be forced upward into thecompress-decompression-chamber 105 at the same time, which can preventthe flapper 550 of lower-swing-check-valve 20 from closing. While manyoptions to regulate the number of upward buoyant-object moving into thecompress-decompression-chamber 105 are possible, including purelymechanical devices that use no power, the FID embodiment of FIG. 6utilizes solenoid-timing-control-rod 117 to regulate the upward movementand timing of the buoyant-object motion. Solenoid-timing-control-rod 117provides for computer control and regulation of the buoyant-objectmotion by extending its solenoid actuated rod to stop the upwardprogression of buoyant-objects below it, and it retracts said rod so asto allow the proper number of buoyant-objects (one in this case) intothe compress-decompression-chamber 105. Note that ifcompress-decompression-chamber 105 is larger, or the buoyant-objects 75are smaller several buoyant-objects 75 may be permitted to enter 105without blocking the closure of lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper550.

The swing check valves and all connecting tubes/pipes within thecompression-decompression-chamber 105 and lower-transition 245 must besized to permit the buoyant-object to completely pass through theinternal surfaces, internal contours, structures, and chambers of thecompleted embodiment. In addition the buoyancy force of thebuoyant-object 75 must be sufficient to open theswing-check-valve-flapper 550. Given that swing-check-valve-flapper 550can be made of suitably light weight mater such that it is nearlybuoyant, it will always be possible to engineer a flapper that can beopen by the net upward force of a suitably loaded buoyant-object 75.

FIG. 7A-7D Electronically Actuated Swing-Check-Valves and FIDs

An alternative to the manually actuated check-valve-flappers 550 of FIG.4A-4F is to provide electronic actuation as inelectronic-swing-check-valve 557 which opens and closescheck-valve-flappers 550 via an electronic signal as shown in FIG. 7Athrough FIG. 7D. FIG. 7A represents the exact same swing-check-valveshown in FIG. 4C, but with an electronic solenoid-rod 530 that extendsto open the check-valve-flapper 550. When solenoid-coil 535 is energizedthe solenoid retracts to open check-valve-flapper 550, and will closecheck-valve-flapper 550 when solenoid-coil 535 is de-energized. Movementof check-valve-flapper 550 is facilitated by the addition ofcheck-valve-sliding-means 570, which works in coordination withsolenoid-rod 530. Solenoid-rod 530 is attached to check-valve-flapper550 via check-valve-sliding-means 570 such that the motion of extendingsolenoid-rod 530 causes check-valve-sliding-means 570 to slide and sochange the angle of solenoid-rod 530 to check-valve-flapper 550 andthereby facilitate the closure or opening of check-valve-flapper 550.FIG. 7A shows electronic-swing-check-valve 557 with check-valve-flapper550 closed, while FIG. 7B shows electronic-swing-check-valve 557 withcheck-valve-flapper 550 open. FIG. 7C is the same as FIG. 4F except thatelectronic-swing-check-valve 557 is replaces swing-check-valve 555 so asto make electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106. FIG. 7D is thesolenoid flapper actuated version of FIG. 5D withelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 replacingcompression-decompression-chamber 105. Finally FIG. 7E is analog to FIG.6, when electronic-swing-check-valve 557 is replaces swing-check-valve555, and when solenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 has been removed,since it is no longer required.

At this point it is possible to identify the contents of FIG. 6, andFIG. 7E as an example of a complete Fluid Interface Device (FID) for usein a closed loop mass levitator of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, which is capable ofhandling multiple buoyant-objects in an energy efficient manner, sinceall example criteria of an example FID have been met:

1. it can interfaces two or more continuously connected fluidregions/columns, which in this case is represented as thelight-fluid-to-dense-fluid-interface 35 where the light-fluid 22 anddense-fluid 21 meet.

2. provides motive force in the form of only gravity and buoyancy tomove and inject/transit the buoyant-objects 75 through the FID from thelight-fluid environment 22 to the dense fluid environment 21.

3. where no external power is required by the fluid interface device ifa mechanical means is used to regulate timing, and to open and closevalves. For example, if solenoid rods are used to regulate timing viatiming-control-rod 117 and to effect the momentary opening and closingof fluid valves 45 and 50 then a few 10s-100's of watts will be requiredto be used out of kilowatts or megawatts that can be generated (seeabove discussion of estimated power associated with FIG. 3.

4. provides a guide through the FID so as to guide buoyant-objects fromthe light-fluid 22 where buoyant-objects 75 fall under the influence ofgravity to the dense fluid 21 where the buoyant-object 75 are buoyant,and:

a. maintains fluid communication between said regions

b. maintains the relative pressure differential between said regions

c. maintains relative height and volume of the said regions

d. substantially prevents or mitigates fluid flow from one region to thenext

e. substantially maintains fluid separation between said regions whenthe regions consist of differing fluid types

f. controls the timing and flow of buoyant-objects 75 through the FID.

FIG. 8 Bent Pipe Top FID

A complementary yet simple top Fluid Interface Device (FID) that can beutilized to transport buoyant-object 75 from the dense-fluid 21environment back to the light-fluid 22 environment is shown in FIG. 8.FIG. 8 consists of continuously connected uptube 70 filled withdense-fluid 21, upper-transition 215 which is a bend U-shaped tube orpipe, downtube 40 filled with light-fluid 22, and severalbuoyant-objects 75 which are buoyant in dense-fluid 21, but which “sink”or “fall” in the light-fluid 22. Under the condition thatbuoyant-objects 75 are 75% loaded (net density is 0.75 of the densefluid) as previously described it will take 4 buoyant-objects to liftthe buoyant-object at the dense-fluid-to-light-fluid-interface 100 outof dense fluid 21. Since there are two buoyant-objects shown in FIG. 8above dense-fluid-to-light-fluid-interface 100 it will takeapproximately 8 submerged buoyant-objects 75 to completely levitate themabove dense-fluid-to-light-fluid-interface 100. Any additionalbuoyant-objects (beyond the necessary 8) below thedense-fluid-to-light-fluid-interface 100 will add additional force todrive the top buoyant-objects 100 across upper-transition 215 into thedowntube where they will begin to fall through light-fluid 22. It is nowpossible to identify u-shaped upper-transition 215 and the upper part ofuptube 70 as a FID since it provides guided mean from dense to lightfluid, provides motive power of buoyancy, connects two adjacent fluidregions, maintains fluid and pressure separation, and in this case usesno external power at all.

FIG. 9,12A-12J, 13A-D Energy Conversion Due to Linear Induction Coils

Faraday's law of induction states that the magnitude of thevoltage/power generated depends on the rate of change of the magneticflux, not necessarily just the strength of the magnets field. Hence as ageneral rule, the faster the magnetic array falls and rotates as itapproaches, enters, and exits the coil the greater the induced voltage.If possible it would be beneficial, from a power generation stand point,to have buoyant-objects dropping continuously through the inductioncoils and for multiple buoyant-objects to occupy a least one inductioncoil at all times. If the magnets obtain a high velocity through thecoil, then the magnetic field change is correspondingly fast, andtherefore the power generated by the coil increases as a function ofincreasing speed. Again the induced voltage is due to the translationaland rotation motion of the magnetic array enclosed within thebuoyant-object as it passes through the induction coil.

In FIG. 9 buoyant-objects 75 fall down in a more or less straight lineor via linear (in-line) motion downward, hence this type of electricalinduction device is called in this application a linear inductiongenerator as opposed to a Tesla style motor generator that utilizespurely rotational motion about a central axis. When the buoyant-object75 containing magnets or magnetic arrays, as in FIG. 12A-FIG. 12Jgathers speed in its downward journey through downtube 40 as in FIG. 9it enters the circumferential wire coils (induction-coils 80) and willexperiences a force induced by Faraday's law of induction which tends tooppose the downward motion, and at the same time generates electricalvoltage and current waveform in the induction-coils 80. The opposingforce that occurs when a magnet is dropped through a coil of wire isknown as Lenz's law. It is generated from an induced magnetic field thattends to counter the field of the buoyant-object, which generallyopposes the motion of the object. An equilibrium between gravity and thecounter magnetic field is eventual established with the buoyant-object75 proceeding downward at a reduced rate of acceleration as compared toits uninhibited free fall rate (i.e. 32 ft/seĉ2). The actual speedacquired by the buoyant-object 75 in its decent is dependent on a widerange of factors including how much of a current load is placed on theinduction coils (how much voltage and current is pulled fromelectrical-output 90), the speed and mass of the buoyant-object, thedistance traveled, the resistance of the wire used, and number of turnsin the circumferential coil in addition to numerous other concerns suchas friction on the buoyant-object (if any) as it fall through downtube40.

By Faraday's law the time rate of change of the magnetic flux is thephysical mechanism that couples power into the induction coils. Thefaster the magnetic flux can be made to change the more power can begenerated by the same coil of wire for a given strength magnet. Thechange in magnetic flux can be increased in several ways, including thefollowing:

1. Increase the strength of the magnet that is dropped through the coil.

2. Increase the speed at which the magnet drops through the coil.

3. Rotate the magnet as it drops (adding rotational kinetic energy tothe linear drop).

4. Varying the direction of the magnet field within the buoyant-objectas a function of width or length (this is achieved via magnetic arrayswith in the buoyant-object for example 12B, 12C, 12F) such that the wirecoil “sees” a faster changing magnetic field from its stationary pointof view as the buoyant object move through the coil.

5. Some combination of the above.

Hence, the magnetic field strength and field distribution withinbuoyant-objects affect the amount of power that can be generated viaFaraday's law from a mass-levitator; therefore FIG. 12A through FIG. 12Jwill be discussed again from the magnetic field point of view. FIG. 12Erepresents a perfect sphere which can be considered to be the simplestand most compact magnetic form that can be used in a buoyant-object. Itis simple to manufacture but when NdFeB magnets (the strongest presentlyknow magnetic material) are used within a minimally sized buoyant-objectshell that is 75% loaded, the external magnetic field strength is greatenough to cause adjacent buoyant-objects in uptube 70 (see FIG. 13C) to“stick” together such that when they rise to the top of the upper-, theywill not necessarily drop into the downtube 40 (FIG. 6) unless forced todo so via a form of magnetic shears that will clip them apart (notshown). This is easily remedied by providing the magnetic shears whichcan be created via a form of pulsed coil of wire, or alternatively themagnetic field within the FIG. 12E sphere can be lessened by choosing adifferent magnetic material that is less powerful, or by increasing thediameter of the enclosing sphere so that the external magnetic field islessened. Reducing the magnetic flux density by choosing a less powerfulmagnetic material contradicts point 1) above, where we desire maximummagnetic power to maximize inducted power in the electrical coil. Inaddition providing magnetic shears are a possibility but not necessarilythe first choice since power that would otherwise be delivered to theload is being utilized for an internal use.

To overcome some of the issues just described consider FIG. 12B. Whenthe elliptical spheroid containing the opposing magnetic array of FIG.12B populates uptube 70 (as in FIG. 13B) the opposing magnetics 506contained by enclosing magnet tube 576 always present a north pole tothe buoyant-object directly above or below it (note: opposing S facingmagnetic poles can be used equally well). Given that the same poles of amagnet repel each other, the buoyant-objects 506 will be mutuallyrepelled from each other, however there will also be a tendency torotate away from each other. Given the oblong nature of FIG. 12B therotation of the spheroid will be constrained by the interior walls ofuptube 70 or downtube 40 such that rotation is minimal. This mutualrepulsion will ensure that spheroidal buoyant-object 506 will notmagnetically stick together. If the same opposing N facing magneticarray were contained by a sphere as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13C, thesphere would rotate 90 degrees and would again magnetically clumptogether but with less relative force as compare to the configurationshown by FIG. 13B.

When buoyant-object 506 (FIG. 20B), 582 (FIG. 12C), or 590 (FIG. 12F)fall through downtube 40 and begin to approach their stacked counterpartbuoyant-objects near the water interface 35 in FIG. 6, the opposingnorth poles will begin to repel each other and will tend to reduce theimpact of buoyant-object hard shell 529 against hard shell 529, and thusact as a form of shock absorber. A similar repulsive effect can also beobtained (perhaps more economically) when ellipsoidal or cylindricalbuoyant-objects containing a single magnet such 580 in FIG. 12A areloaded into, and stacked upon each other with opposing magnetic fieldsas shown by FIG. 13D.

The opposing magnetic field structure of FIGS. 12B, 12C, and 12F alsomanifest another quality that is important and useful to the overallefficiency of the mass-levitator and to the linear inductive generator.In particular as the buoyant-object drops, and the magnetic array'sfield enters the induction coil (as in FIG. 9), the induction coilbegins to see the first magnet's field and then, as the buoyant-objectenters further into the coil, the field reverses as the next magnet inthe array enters the coil. From the point of view of the induction coilthere is a quick reversal of the magnetic field due to the fieldorientation in the magnetic array as the buoyant-object fall through thecoil, and this represents an increased rate of change of the magneticflux, which in turn induces significantly greater power into theinduction coil. The magnetic strength and field arrangement within amagnetic array contained by a buoyant-object can therefore make asizeable difference to the amount of electrical power that is induced.In FIG. 12C there are more opposing magnetics within the array ascompared to FIG. 12B, hence there is the potential for additionalincreases in induced voltage/current over FIG. 12 B given an equivalentamount of magnetic material.

The more cylindrical shape of FIG. 12C provides advantages in that thecylindrical shape allows the buoyant-object to carry proportionally moremagnetic material given that a cylinder has more volume and willdisplace more dense fluid as compared to a ellipsoid of same length. Inaddition, the magnetic field can be larger at the top and bottom of thecylinder since the magnetics 577 themselves can be designed to be closerto the ends, which makes the magnetic fields greater near the ends ascompared to FIG. 12B. The higher field strength near the ends makes formore repulsion between other similar buoyant-objects which will in turnincrease the shock absorber effects.

The cross section shown in 12F represents a spheroidal buoyant-objectwith three magnets 577 in the array enclosed by magnet tube 576. Thevirtue of this arrangement is that the middle magnet oriented 90 degreesto the other two will reduce the internal repulsion between magnetswithin the magnet tube and will stabilize the internal forces within themagnetic assembly. Magnet arrays such as those shown in FIG. 12B, andFIG. 12C can, when realized by very strong magnets such as neodymium(NdFeB), can be somewhat unstable in the sense that attractive andrepulsive forces are hard to control and can be dangerous unless handledwith extreme care. Even after assembly there is the possibility that ifthe magnetic tube is damaged that the compressed opposing and repellingmagnets will fly apart and hurt personnel or other surroundingequipment. By layering the magnetics at 90 degree angles as in FIG. 12F,the magnets that abut against each other will tend to attract internally(reducing compressed magnetic energy) while still providing theadvantages of a quickly changing flux from the point of view of theinduction coil.

The induced electrical voltage/current pulses can be converted bypulse-conversion-subsystem 85 in FIG. 9 through standard electricalengineering techniques which will assemble pulses and build DC or ACwaveforms 90 from the electrical pulses induced in induction-coils 80.Pulse-conversion-subsystem 85 can be made quite sophisticated and may beelectronically controlled, by suitable electronic control equipment 120(FIG. 9) so as to be capable of displaying internal states of theconversion subsystem 85 and/or external voltage and current loads on amonitor such as 395. Another potentially important element that canoptionally be provided is an emergency stop button 295, that can betriggered by operator 390, which can then signal electronic controlequipment 120 to command the system to such down the mass-levitator'smoving parts and to break electrical power connections to the externalload 90 (FIG. 9).

The induction coils depicted in FIG. 9 are roughly the length of asingle buoyant-object for a specific reason, which is to reduce thedeconstructive superposition of voltage and current waveforms that canoccur when multiple buoyant-objects containing magnetic arrays arefalling through the same long coil at the same time. Under suboptimalconditions one buoyant-object can be creating a positive voltage while asecond or a third buoyant-object is inducing a positive or out of phasewaveform in the induction coil such that the waveforms tend todestructively subtract from each other. Such destructive interferencecan be minimized by providing a coil no longer than an individualbuoyant-object as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively the timing ofbuoyant-objects can be carefully adjusted such that buoyant-objects thatfall from top-FID 17 through to bottom-FID 15 (see FIG. 2) generatewaveforms are always in-phase and hence add constructively.

For a closed system mass-levitator as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, wherethe energy conversion subsystem 24 is the linear induction generator ofFIG. 9, the goal of the designer is for the linear induction generatorto have at least one buoyant-object containing its associated magneticarray passing through the induction coils at all times. This is truebecause power is only generated when a magnet passes through theinduction coils, and any functional power generator will need togenerate a continuous electrical waveform. Therefore a mass-levitatorwith a linear-induction system as shown in FIG. 9 will attempt tomaximize the number of buoyant-objects per second, which move throughdowntube 40 and through induction-coils 80. In the closed system of FIG.2, and FIG. 3 all buoyant-objects are in continuous circulation withinthe embodiment and where each is incrementally contributing to theoverall power generation equation. By similar reasoning, it isbeneficial to design the embodiment with sufficient height such that thelength of time for the buoyant-object to fall the entire length of thedowntube is the same or greater than the time it takes for the nextbuoyant-object to begin its fall. If the height of the downtube can beincreased such that the multiple buoyant-objects are passing through thetube at regular intervals, than the power increase will be proportionalto the number of buoyant-object that are transiting the induction coilsat any given moment. In addition, the increased height of the uptube 70equates to a larger amount of potential energy that can be converted topower. Given that the force of gravity accelerates the buoyant-object,and that the power induced in the coil is proportional to the speed ofthe magnetic object (rate of change of flux increases), the increasedheight to fall through also corresponds to more power that can beextracted from the induction coils.

It is also true that the upward motion of the buoyant-object and itsmagnetic array will induce a current in a circumferential induction coilwhich can be tapped to generate electrical power directly (for exampleusing an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2). In practice the amount of powergenerated (where power is energy per second) via the downward motion ofthe buoyant-object through the less dense medium is significantlygreater than that generated by the upward motion induce by buoyancy. Thesignificantly greater speeds that the buoyant-object acquires due to thedownward acceleration of gravity far exceed the speed of thebuoyant-object through the dense and at least somewhat viscous fluid.For this reason, the cost of providing induction coils on the upwardascent of the buoyant-object through the uptube may not be costeffective. The choice to generate power due to the upward motion of thebuoyant-object is a design choice which may not always be acceptable dueto the substantially increased investment in low resistance (heavygauge) wire. Due to this much greater cost efficiency of induction coilon the downtube, embodiments containing induction coils, as shown inFIG. 9, will typically be illustrated in this application as onlyencompassing the downtube(s) 40. As a final note on this topic theultimate power generated by the induction coils is directly related tothe total resistance of the N turns of wire, where having the heaviestgage wire with the lowest resistance is very desirable since acorresponding greater current can be induced, which directly correspondsto a higher power.

Any rotation of the buoyant-object as it drops linearly through downtube40 will also induce an increased rate of change of the magnetic field.Hence electrical production can be enhanced when the downtube 40 and theassociated linear generation array of FIG. 9 has been put on an inclineas in FIG. 21 so as to permit a suitable buoyant-object to roll down theincline. Suitable choices for buoyant-objects include perfect sphere 584containing one magnet (FIG. 12E), perfect sphere 507 (FIG. 13A)containing an opposing magnet array, the rolling cylinder 590 shown intop view in FIG. 12I, and in cross section in FIG. 12J. When thebuoyant-object 590 is used the downtube can consist of square tubing soas to permit the cylindrical shape to roll along its central axis. Inaddition cylindrical buoyant-object 590 has a diametrically opposedinternal magnet that is magnetized across its cylindrical axis so as tomaximize the rolling rate of change of the flux through thecircumferentially surrounding square induction coil. The choice to havethe buoyant-object rotate has consequences, namely that the speed ofdecent through the coils will decrease which will also decrease thespeed of the linear motion. The loss in speed will tend to decrease thechange in flux due to linear motion, while at the same time increasingthe rotational motion which will tend to increase the rate of change influx. Whether this is a beneficial feature of the engineered embodimentdepends on the overall goals of the engineering project, however theelectrical waveforms provided are more sinusoidal in nature instead ofsimple pulses making it easier for the pulse-conversion-subsystem 85 ofFIG. 9 to generate a continuous well shaped output. In addition thelonger length of time spend spent by the rolling buoyant object in eachinduction coil also means that each buoyant object will generate powerfor a longer length of time.

Buoyant-Objects

Buoyant-objects 75 generally conform to the following descriptions anddefinitions:

-   -   i. buoyant-objects are buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or variably        buoyant in at least one fluid region and optionally not buoyant        in at least one other fluid region.    -   ii. where the overall shape, size, and design ensures ease of        passage through the various regions, surfaces, pipes, tubes,        chambers, and interior structures of said mass-levitation        apparatus by suitably streamlining, smoothing, and shaping said        buoyant-object/capsule    -   iii. where said buoyant-object may be composed of a buoyant        capsule and optionally one or more encapsulated objects which        can be composed of any arbitrary material, shape, weight and        volume as long as the overall buoyant capsule plus the its        encapsulated objects are still buoyant in at least one of the        fluid regions        -   1. where said buoyant capsule is designed so as to reshape,            surround, protect, and otherwise encapsulate said            encapsulated objects        -   2. where said encapsulated object may be fixed or removable            from said buoyant capsule        -   3. where said buoyant capsule, when encapsulated object is            removable, provides suitable interior volume to house said            one or more encapsulated objects, and provides mean for            entry and removal of the said encapsulated objects through a            suitable opening and closure means    -   iv. where said buoyant-objects force vectors generated by        buoyancy and gravitation can be designed with the following        criteria and notes:        -   1. The buoyancy force vector and the energy generated by            said buoyant-object acting on, or in, the mass-levitation            apparatus against the gravitation field of the planet when            in buoyant fluid regions is increased when fluid            displacement increases, dry weight decreases, and capsule is            suitably shaped to reduce drag and otherwise facilitate            movement of the capsule in the buoyant dense fluid region        -   2. The gravitational force vector and the energy generated            by said buoyant-object acting on or in the apparatus in            non-buoyant fluid regions is increased by increasing the dry            weight of said buoyant-object        -   3. The buoyant-object should be relatively incompressible so            as to displace the greatest volume of fluid, so as to            generate the greatest possible force of buoyancy when            compressed to the greatest degree near the bottom of a            buoyant region, and so as to be scalable with height of the            uptube/downtube.        -   4. The designer should consider using part of the motive            force provided by the forces of buoyancy and gravity to            facilitate motion of the buoyant-object between adjacent            fluid regions        -   5. Buoyant-objects can encapsulate and elevate any type of            mater including: other fluids, living objects such as fish            and people, entire mechanical assemblies such as ships or            automobiles, and can include electrically charged and/or            magnetic substances.

FIG. 10A-10C Various Types of Buoyant-Objects

Examples of buoyant-objects conforming to the above descriptions anddefinitions can be seen in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E, FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C,and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12J. Buoyant-objects 75 in each of these figuresare typically designed with a hard outer shell(buoyant-object-dense-shell 529) to withstand impact of a fall and tosupport the buoyant inner structure (buoyant-object-light-inner-core528). While the overall shape of a buoyant-object can be of anyconfiguration, it should be designed to conform to the interior of thetubes, pipes, chambers, and vessels that it passes through, hence themore common configurations are the sphere FIG. 10A, the spheroid FIG.10B, and the smoothed cylinder FIG. 10C since standard pipes and tubingcan readily be purchased. Each shape has advantages and disadvantageswhich are not necessarily apparent at first glance. The perfect sphere(FIG. 10A) will navigate curves within pipes with a minimal bend radiusand will reduce frictional pressures associated with similarly stackedbuoyant-objects as they navigate bends under the influence of buoyanceor gravity, while the cylinder (FIG. 10B) will displace more fluid perunit length of tubing and can therefore float a proportionally greatertotal weight, but requires wider tubes and pipes when negotiating turnsand bends. The spheroid in FIG. 10C is somewhat of a compromise betweenthe perfect sphere and the cylinder sharing some of both properties andis therefore a frequent choice in the various embodiments found withinthis application.

FIG. 10D-10E, Encapsulated Arbitrary Mass in Buoyant-Objects

FIG. 10D and FIG. 10E represent the case where the buoyant-objectencloses a secondary arbitrary mass, and where the buoyant-object is ofvariable density. The arbitrary mass enclosed by FIG. 10 is a car 350(car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass), and in FIG. 10E it is a ship(ship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 352). In both figures thebuoyant-objects 75 are enclosed by a hard outer shell 529, whichcontains a fluid proof gateway or door into the interior(buoyant-object-door 345). In FIG. 10D the car is carried on top of aballast tank 376, and dense fluid ballast is added or removed to adjustthe buoyancy of the overall buoyant-object 75. Additional dense fluid(typically water) is added to ballast tank 376 so as to increase theoverall weight of the capsule and thereby permit buoyant-object 75 tosink. Signals and power to command fluid valve 410, and door 345 to openor close are provided by internal inductive coil 415 and externalinductive coil 420 in this example. Other means to power and control thevarious valves, doors, and possible sensors internal to buoyant-object75 are also possible, such as providing an internal battery for powerand via the use of manual control or optional internal computer control.The buoyant-object 75 in FIG. 10 E functions the same as FIG. 10D exceptthe there is no discrete ballast tank, instead the entire inner fluidchamber within the buoyant-object acts as a ballast tank that can takeon or purge water such that ship 352 can float into the buoyant-object'sinternal chamber when water tight doors 345 are opened. Complete detailsand operational descriptions of each of these embodiments will beprovided when this application discusses FIG. 15A and FIG. 16A.

FIG. 11A-11C Fluid Lifting Buoyant-Objects

In FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C is a cross section of a specializedbuoyant-object 75 to be used with version of the closed loopmass-levitator shown in FIG. 2. Buoyant-object 525 is designed toencapsulate and lift the dense fluid 21 (e.g. water) to the top of amass-levitator where it will be flipped over and the dense-fluid 21dumped out. Using buoyant-objects designed to contain and dump waterprovides a method for mass-levitator embodiments to act as a water pump,whereby they can be utilized to elevate significant quantities of waterto an arbitrary height. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C are designed with a form ofdual internal swing check valves that when in an upright position as inFIG. 11C have their check valve flappers (521) closed and restingagainst internal ledge 524 so as to contain dense fluid 21. Whenbuoyant-object 525 is flipped over, as in FIG. 11B the swing check valveflappers swing open via pivot 522 so as to release dense fluid 21 viadense fluid exit 527, and so as to permit the light fluid to enter vialight fluid entrance 526. A top view of buoyant-object 525 is shown inFIG. 11A from the point of view of having the internal check valve'sflapper 21 closed as in FIG. 11C. Each flapper has been provided with anoptional weight 523 to assure that the internal swing check valveflappers open and close promptly under the motive force of gravity. Useof internal swing check valves is only one simple method of capturingand releasing the dense fluid by a buoyant-object, other means are alsopossible. Complete details and operational descriptions of each of thewater pump embodiments will be provided when this application discussesFIG. 19A and FIG. 20A.

FIG. 12A-12J Buoyant-Objects Containing Magnetics and Magnetic Arrays

The buoyant-objects of FIG. 12A to FIG. 12J are examples ofbuoyant-objects with enclosed magnets or magnetic arrays. The simplestexamples are FIG. 12A, FIG. 12D, FIG. 12I and FIG. 12J which representbuoyant-objects enclosing a single magnet 577, which are identical toFIG. 10B, 10A, 10C respectively with the addition of an optional innermagnet tube 576 (buoyant-object-inner-magnet-tube) to contain the magnetand to permit possible easy removal at some future date, and themagnetic itself 577 (buoyant-object-inner-magnet). FIG. 12D, FIG. 12G,FIG. 12H are a variation on the swing-check-valve embodiment justdiscussed in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C however a set of internalhollow cylindrical magnets 577 have been included in their own magnetictube 576, thus allowing the buoyant object to pump water and to generateelectricity through induction.

When multiple magnets are included in, and contained by magnetic tube576 within a single buoyant-object, they are known as a magnetic-arrayin this application. When magnetic-arrays are present the importance ofhaving the magnetic tube 576 is of greater importance, since the tubefixes the internal position of the magnets in the array, constrainsinternal movement and rotation, and greatly facilitates loading of themagnets into the buoyant object's tube when first assembled. Morecomplex magnetic array examples are provided by FIG. 12C and FIG. 12F,each of which are composed of the same internal components namely:buoyant-object-dense-shell 529, buoyant-object-light-inner-core 528,buoyant-object-inner-magnet-tube 576, and magnets 577. Additionaldetails within FIG. 12A-FIG. 12J will be provided with respect to thearrangements of the magnetic fields and the use of magnetics andmagnetic array configurations when this application discusses linearinductive generators in the next section.

Surplus Kinetic Energy from Buoyant-Object Fall

When a buoyant-object is dropped down through downtube 40 (FIG. 9), asubstantial part of this downward kinetic energy may still exists whenthe buoyant-object encounters the interface between the light fluid andthe dense fluid working mediums (e.g. the air to water interface) orwhen it encounter an existing buoyant-object which is already present inthe downtube. This surplus kinetic energy can be used to propel thebuoyant-object below the surface of the heavier fluid layer, effectivelyinjecting the buoyant-object into the lower transition via the momentumgenerated by its fall. The extent to which the buoyant-object penetratesthe dense fluid surface and how deep it travels into the lowertransition 220 dependents upon a number of factors related toprincipally to amount of its available surplus kinetic energy, and howthe impact energy is dissipated, that is:

1) where the dense fluid is permitted by flow to upon thebuoyant-object's initial impact, this is related to fluid impact wavethat is formed to dissipate this excess energy.

2) how much the buoyant-object weighs.

3) and how fast the buoyant-object is moving upon impact.

If the buoyant-object strikes the water interface in a confined spacesuch as a pipe when the buoyant-object's dimensions have been designedto be a rather snugly fit to the interior of the downtube (usually adesirable feature so as to increase the displaced fluid which increasethe buoyancy force), then the buoyant-object will tend to act like ahydraulic ram which will push the water at the surface downward. Theresult is that the buoyant-object will experience a “belly flop” effectin which the depth of penetration is greatly reduced. Hence the surpluskinetic energy under these circumstances tends to be converted topressure and turbulence, unless there is some place for this energydissipating fluid wave to go. Various embodiment can be devised tohandle this pressure/turbulence successfully including (but not limitedto) the use of expansion tanks as shown in FIG. 17A (single uptube downtube), increasing the fluid interface tank cross sectional area (whichpermits a more ideal slash to occur and provides a large area forsurface waves to be establish), and by lastly by providing a means forthe water to circulate (i.e. provide a means and path for the fluid toflow) as in FIG. 18A (dual uptube single downtube). While the laterdescription is rather heuristic, it captures the essence of the problemsencountered at the interface if the buoyant-object is permitted to fallfreely.

FIG. 14A-14B Gravity Wheel with Electric Generator

FIG. 14A represents a 3-D model of a gravity wheel 900. Gravity-wheel900 as shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 14B, is comprised of anexterior housing or shell 990 (gravity-wheel-housing), an internal fanlike internal wheel 910 (gravity-wheel's-internal-wheel) that isconnected to central axis 950 (gravity-wheel-central-axis) and whichturns on sealed bearings 945 (gravity-wheel-sealed-bearings), anoptional internal seal 920 (gravity-wheel-seal) used to create a liquidseal between gravity-wheel-housing 990 and gravity-wheels-internal-wheel910.

FIG. 14A displays the exterior 3-D view of the gravity wheel 900, andexposes central axis 950 protruding from gravity-wheel-housing 990,where it connects to the external electrical generator 970(gravity-wheel-external-generator), which sits on structural generatorsupport 954 (gravity-wheel-generator-support). Connections to downtube40 are also shown in FIG. 14A at the top 965(gravity-wheel-upper-downtube-connection) and bottom 995(gravity-wheel-lower-downtube-connection). In addition gravity-wheel 900has a central access cover 992 (gravity-wheel-cover) which can be openedfor repair and is also utilized for initial assembly.

In FIG. 14C gravity wheel 900 is shown connected to downtube 40 at thetop via gravity-wheel-upper-downtube-connection 965 and on the bottomvia gravity-wheel-lower-downtube-connection 995, whereas in FIG. 14B itconnects to gravity-wheel-fluid-entrance-tube 996 on the top andgravity-wheel-fluid-exit-tube 997 on the bottom. These connection pointsreflect gravity-wheel 900's context in the bigger picture provided byembodiments of FIG. 19A and FIG. 20A, which will be described in moredepth in later sections of this application.

While a water wheel represents old technology, the purpose here is touse it in association with the mass-levitator, in a more generalizedfashion, and thereby put it to use in new ways. The generalized gravitywheel can act as a simple water wheel as shown in FIG. 14B, whereby anelevated water source directs falling water onto the exterior surfacesof the water wheel, which in turn forces the mechanical surfaces ofgravity-wheel's-internal-wheel 910 downward by virtue of the force ofgravity accelerating the water molecules so as to turn and spingravity-wheel-central-axis 950 whose motion can then be used as a sourceof mechanical energy. The more generalized use of the same mechanicalembodiment is shown in FIG. 14C, where the apparatus is functioning soas to handle any type of falling material such as buoyant-objects 75.Buoyant-objects 75 enter the gravity-wheel 900 from downtube 40 throughgravity-wheel-upper-downtube-connection 965, and enter into pocket voids940 (gravity-wheel-pocket) between gravity-wheel's-internal-wheel 910fan like blades. The downward momentum of buoyant-object 75 and theweight of buoyant-object 75 acting on the internal surfaces ofgravity-wheel's-internal-wheel 910 causes gravity-wheel's-internal-wheel910 to spin, and turn gravity-wheel-external-generator 970. Eventuallybuoyant-object 75 is transported via the motive power of gravity throughthe right-hand side of gravity-wheel 900, turninggravity-wheel's-internal-wheel 910, generating electricity viagravity-wheel-external-generator 970 and finally exiting fromgravity-wheel 900 via gravity-wheel-lower-downtube-connection 995 todowntube 40.

To summarize gravity-wheel 900:

1. consists of a circular wheel that pivots on a central axis.

2. accepts material/buoyant-objects into a pocket in the top of wheel'souter periphery from a guided means that directs said material objectinto said wheels outer periphery's said pocket.

3. holds material/buoyant-objects in the wheel's outer periphery duringwheels downward motion from top to bottom of wheels motion.

4. releases said material/buoyant-objects into a connected guided meansnear bottom of wheel.

5. directs the material/buoyant-object's force due to gravity and anyfalling kinetic energy of said material object into torque that isdirected onto a central shaft in said gravity wheel.

6. converts said torque into mechanical work or other form of energysuch as electrical energy.

7. provides one or more guiding means to connect said gravity wheel toone or more fluid interface devices.

FIG. 15A-15I—Water Elevator—Car Lift Embodiment 1

A generalized water elevator embodiment, based on the basic open loopsystem of FIG. 1C, is shown in FIG. 15A-15H. The apparatus contains astanding-column-of-water 330 that extends from the top ofelectronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 to a height slightly above thetop of the elevated-landmass-structure 315, which can represent eitheran elevated landmass or a manmade structure. Thestanding-column-of-water 330 is formed from the sides of uptube 70 andbounded on the bottom by the swing-check-valve-flapper 360 ofelectronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 (FIG. 15C) and on the top bythe top-landing-pad 340 which abuts to uptube-ceiling 270 (FIG. 15B),which is the top most physical structure of the apparatus.Standing-column-of-water 330 is filled with water when in its workingstate, and is filled and controlled to an approximate water level givenby uptube-water-level 100 but can be as high as top-landing-pad 340 whendesired. Standing-column-of-water 330 is refilled as necessary fromelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 via reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140,and connecting water reservoir-fill-pipe 145 (see FIG. 15B). Theuptube-water-level 100 is monitored by uptube-water-level-sensor 170 andcontrolled via reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 which is actuatedby electronic signals emanating from the electronic-control-equipment120. Electronic-control-equipment 120 also controls/actuateselectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 and electronic-water-drain-valve160 and monitors/records uptube-water-level-sensor 170 andlower-water-level-sensor 355, via control-cables 125.

In FIG. 15C high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 connects uptube 70 to theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 viaelectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50, whileelectronic-water-drain-valve 160 connects to, and drainscompression-decompression chamber 325 via water-dump-pipe 305 towater-sink 265 (FIG. 15A). Theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 is formed from the wallsof swing check valve 370, compression-decompression-tube 365,high-pressure-equalization-tube 60, and attached electronic controlvalves 50 (electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve) andelectronic-water-drain-valve 160.

Buoyant-Object 75 resides in the apparatus and is the primary liftvehicle to levitate car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350,(represented in FIG. 15C as a car), which is enclosed in, andencapsulated by, buoyant-object 75 as in the close up view given by FIG.10B. Loading of car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 (see detail FIG.15C) into buoyant-object 75 is achieved via entry-ramp 310 that abuts toelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 where saidcar-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 enters theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 by way of water-tightentry-door 285, and then further enters the buoyant-object viabuoyant-object-door 345 using its own motive force (i.e. Car having aninternal combustion engine in this embodiment).

When elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 is filled viamoderately-elevated-water-source-pipe 435 and the opening ofmoderately-elevated-water-source-valve 440, then buoyant-object 75becomes buoyant, swing-check-valve-flapper 360 is opened, andbuoyant-object 75 moves through swing-check-valve 370, and floats upwardin uptube 70 as shown in FIG. 15D and detail FIG. 15E. Buoyant-object75's progress is eventually stopped by top landing pad 340, which abutsto uptube-ceiling 275 and the upper walls of uptube 70 as in FIG. 15Fand detail FIG. 15G. Buoyant-object's car embodiment of arbitrary mass350 is removed from the apparatus by opening top-exit-door 335 andbuoyant-object-door 345, where upon car embodiment of arbitrary mass 350utilizes exit ramp 310 to reach elevated-landmass-structure 315 underits own motive force (the car's engine).

Embodiment 1 Water Elevator Explanation of Design and OperationalDetails

The goal of embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 15A-15H, is to liftcar-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 encapsulated in a buoyant-object75 to a specific height so as to reach elevated-landmass-structure 315.With a properly engineered buoyant-object 75 the water elevatorembodiment 1 can lift buoyant-object 75 with its enclosed arbitrary mass350 through the single elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 tothe top of the elevated-land-structure 315, where upon thebuoyant-object 75 is opened via water tight buoyant-object-door 345 andcar-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 is removed by way oftop-exit-door 335. The general objective of this embodiment type is tolift a relatively large amount of weight (in tons) up a considerableheight (e.g. hundreds of feet) using as much of the earth's energy(gravitational energy) as possible, and with as little electrical energyor input as possible. Since the embodiment of FIG. 15A-15H is verygeneral, in that it can lift any shape (example encapsulated car shown),of any relative size/weight, to virtually any desired height (short ofthe edge of space), it is helpful to see how such a buoyant-object 75and other associated components within the embodiment are sized anddesigned before the operational details of the embodiment areundertaken. This is done in the next paragraph by making the verygeneral mass levitator embodiment take on practical dimensions and byapplying the embodiment to a practical application.

With the goal of embodiment specificity and simplification in mind, thedesign goal for this embodiment consists of a floatable reusablebuoyant-object 75, sized to enclose and accommodate the entry/exist of avariety of small vehicles (i.e. the car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass350 is a car/trucks that will be levitated), and to provide a lift force(buoyancy) sufficient to float the highest imagined weight of thesevarious vehicles types to the top of the elevated-landmass-structure315. To be even more concrete, suppose the engineering goal is toelevate various vehicles to the top of a landmass structure 1000 feettall using the water elevator embodiment shown in FIG. 15A-15H. In thiscase the car/truck is the arbitrary object to be lifted to a specificdestination, which is at the specific elevation of 1000 ft above theground-level 280. The designer generally needs to understand the volumeand weight constraints of the objects to be lifted in order to be surethat the embodiment will generate sufficient buoyancy. Hence a specificvolume and weight upper limit (design target) will need to be estimatedand then used in the design of the embodiment. By way of example, anaverage car is roughly 10 ft long, 5 feet wide, about 4 feet tall, andweighs about 4,000 pounds. To give the elevator sufficient space toaccommodate the dimensions of the vehicle, a space on the order of a twocar garage could be utilized for the size of the buoyant-object thatwill encapsulate the car, say 20 ft×20 ft×20 ft. This volume targetshould be more than sufficient for most vehicles to enter and parkinside the buoyant-object 75 with some room to spare, or to accommodateoversized/bigger vehicles if they still conform to the upper weightlimits of the design (which are about to be calculated). Thisbuoyant-object 75 of twenty cubic feet displaces 8000 cubic feet ofwater, and where each cubic foot of water weighs about 62.4 pounds. ByArchimedes law of buoyancy, if the car plus encapsulating buoyant-object75 weight less than water displacement of about 8000 ft3×62.4lbs/ft3=499,200 lbs (about 250 tons), then the buoyant-object will floatto the top. Since the car only weighs about 4,000 pounds (2 tons) thecomposition of the enclosing buoyant capsule can be quite heavy andstill lift the load.

If 75% of the displaced water volume by weight is used (75% load factor)in the engineering calculation for an estimate of the useable andavailable force of buoyancy (to move the capsule upward with acceptableacceleration and speed), then the buoyant-object 75 must weigh less than374,000 pounds (about 187 tons). If the buoyant-object 75 is composedof, and fabricated from, ½ inch ship grade steel plate, (the six sidedcube has about 120 ft2 of surface area) and given that 20 ft2 of steelplate weighs about 8200 pounds each, the total weight of the buoyantcapsule will be about 50,000 pounds (25 tons). This leaves over 300,000pounds (150 tons) of surplus force available. From these simplecalculations we conclude that there is no issue lifting the weight ofalmost any imaginable vehicle that will fit in the enclosed space.Because there is so much surplus power available it may become necessaryto take on ballast (buoyant-object-ballast 375 in FIGS. 10D, and 15C) toreduce the speed and force with which the buoyant-object 75 movesupward. From the dimensions of the buoyant-object just designed (a cube20 feet in each dimension) we know that the square cross section of thelifting tube structure needs to be slightly bigger than the 20 ft by 20ft to accommodate the cross section of the cubic buoyant-object, andfrom the lift design elevation goal of 1000 feet, the overall embodimentstructure is slightly over 1000 feet high. At this point the majordesign parameters of for embodiment 1 are known (assuming we do not haveto worry about how much water is used by the apparatus).

The energy price for levitating vehicle 380 to the top ofelevated-landmass-structure 315 is the energy cost of the acquiring thewater required to fill the elevator-compression-decompression-chamber325. If the water resource is a naturally renewable quantity, forexample, provided by mountain run off or other natural phenomena, thenthe major “costs” associated with operating the system principallyconsist of the energy required to run associated computers (e.g.electronic-control-equipment 120), open the valves associated with thewater flow, which in turn run the compression/decompression cycles ofthe apparatus. It is clear that the energy input required to run theapparatus as a whole is arguably much smaller than the energy requiredto lift the mass of the various vehicle to the elevation H, some 1000feet above ground level.

Embodiment 1 is generally controlled and monitored by, and new runningstates are activated by, an experienced system-operator 390, whoutilizes the touch sensitive system display and graphic user interface395 to provide touch panel commands to electronic-control-equipment 120via controls-cables 125. Water temperature, buoyant-object 75 position,water flow, water pressure, and water height to name a few, can also bemonitored, recorded, and possibly controlled viaelectronic-control-equipment 120 using various industrial sensors (e.g.proximity, temperature, pressure sensors) heating coils, and mechanicalactuators (not shown in FIG. 15A-15H) and used as part of the feedbackprocess directed by the computer and computer control software containedin electronic-control-equipment 120 and/or by the initiative ofsystem-operator 390 via system-display-gui 395.

The “initialization state” (FIG. 15A,15B,15C) of the embodiment beginswhen buoyant-object 75 is empty (contains no arbitrary mass), is seatedat the bottom of the apparatus on bottom-landing-pad 270, and theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325, formed by walls ofcompression-decompression-swing-check-valve 370,compression-decompression-tube 365, bottom-landing-pad 270,high-pressure-equalization-tube 60, and attached electronic controlvalves 50 and 160 is empty and contains only air (i.e. the less-densefluid). In addition the standing-column-of-water 330 must exist, byfilling the water chamber formed from the sides of uptube 70 and boundedon the bottom by of swing-check-valve-flapper 360 and on the top by thetop-landing-pad 340 which abuts to uptube-ceiling 275, which is the topmost physical structure of the apparatus. Filling of the water columnproceeds by opening reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 so that waterfrom elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 can flow through reservoir-fill-pipe145, into the uptube 70. This is accomplished via theelectronic-control-equipment 120 which monitors the uptube-water-level100 via uptube-water-level-sensor 170, and actuatesreservoir-electronic-control-valve 140. At this point thestanding-column-of-water 330 exists but the bottom portion of the device(elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325) is still empty. To loadthe car by driving it into elevator-compression-decompression-chamber325 the water tight door 285 are opened, and buoyant-object 75's watertight doors 345 are opened. Note that the apparatus requires severalstructural members to support the weight of standing-column-of-water330, these structural members are shown as structural-supports 130 inFIG. 15A.

At this point the embodiment's “initialization state” ends and thesystem “load state” begins by driving the vehicle 380, shown as a car inFIG. 15C, up entry-ramp 310 throughelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325's opened water-tightentry-doors 285, and then driving through the buoyant-object 75's openbuoyant-object-door 345. Car 380 then parks in buoyant-object 75 whereit becomes car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350. Next buoyant-object75 closes buoyant-object-door 345, after which theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber's water-tight doors 285 areclosed. During the “load stage” standing-column-of-water 330 exerts adownward force on swing-check-valve-flapper 360 when theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 is empty of water. Henceelectronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 must be capable of holdingback the full pressure of standing-column-of-water 330 (e.g. 1000 feetof water generates a pressure equal to 2310 pounds per square inch)within some acceptable standard of leakage fromswing-check-valve-flapper 360. If the desired elevation is great, andthe engineering effort and associated costs of creating a suitably leakfree electronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 is large, the pressuredifferential from standing-column-of-water 330 can be handled viamultiple compression-decompression chambers and multiple swing checkvalves so as to share the pressure load (this configuration is notshown). The acceptable level of leakage while in the “load stage” willdepend on the relative abundance of water in elevated-fluid-reservoir135, where the more scarce the water reserves, the less leakage will beacceptable, and the better the seal will be required fromswing-check-valve-flapper 360. For this embodiment it is assumed thatthe water in 135 is replenishable via an up-hill stream, via water-pump175, from rain fall, or via other means such that sufficient water isalways available to run the levitator.

The “levitate state” begins when buoyant-object 75, contains thecar-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350, when we have an emptyelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325, when all water tightdoors (285, 325) are closed an sealed, and when standing-column-of-water330 exists and is awaiting its first use. Nextelectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 is commanded to be open byelectronic-control-equipment 120, andelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 is flooded and completelyfilled with water that flows from uptube 70 throughhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60 and intoelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325. At the same time wateris released by electronic command signals propagating alongcontrol-cables 125 from electronic-control-equipment 125 to actuate andopen reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140.Reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 releases water fromelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 along associated reservoir-fill-pipe 145,so as to maintained uptube-water-level 100 slightly above the desiredheight H (i.e. H approximately 1000 ft in this example).Elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 is required to be at a slightly higherelevation than height H, so as to permit water flow via gravity torefill the uptube 70 as needed in order to maintain water at the desiredheight. Water levels are automatically maintained and controlled byelectronic-control-equipment 125 which monitors and recordsuptube-water-level-sensor 170, and electronically actuatesreservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 when water levels are low. Watertemperature, buoyant-object 75 position, water flow, water pressure, andwater height to name a few, can also be monitored, recorded, andpossibly controlled via electronic-control-equipment 120 using variousindustrial sensors (e.g. proximity, temperature, pressure sensors)heating coils, and mechanical actuators (not shown in FIG. 15A) and usedas part of the feedback process directed by the computer and computercontrol software contained in electronic-control-equipment 120 and/or bysystem-operator 390 via system-display-gui 395.Electronic-control-equipment 120 such as the widely availableProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC) are in common use by industry today,as are the above described sensors, and controlling PLC software that isdesigned to monitor the sensor, actuate fluid valves, make decisionsbased on internal sensor set points, and actuate various mechanicaldevices when needed.

Once elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 is filled with waterand the pressure within elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325is equalized (placing elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 isin a high pressure compressed fluid state) due to fluid communicationoccurring through electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 andhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60 with the uptube 70. The buoyancy ofbuoyant-object 70 must now be sufficient to lift the submerged weight ofswing-check-valve-flapper 360. This is achieved by knowing the submergedweight and buoyancy of swing-check-valve-flapper 360 which in turndetermines the amount of upward force required to openswing-check-valve-flapper 360 when in the decompressed state. The weightand required upward force on open swing-check-valve-flapper 360 is notgenerally a significant design issue since the buoyancy of openswing-check-valve-flapper 360 can be increased or even made to float.Alternatively swing-check-valve-flapper 360 can be electronicallyactuated such that the flapper opening/closing can be facilitated byswing-check-actuator 400 via its solenoid rod and coil as shown in FIG.15C, which uses the same basic component parts ofelectronic-swing-check-valve 557 in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The more detailview provided by FIG. 7A shows thatelectronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 is an example ofelectronic-swing-check-valve 557 which is attached to theelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325. Also from FIG. 7A it canbe seen that swing-check-actuator 400 and swing-check-valve-flapper 360have many subcomponents that can be identified from FIG. 7A assolenoid-rod 530, solenoid-coil 535, check-valve-flapper-pivot 540,check-valve-flapper 550, check-valve-flapper-seal 560,check-valve-flapper-ledge 565, and check-valve-sliding-means 570.

Upon equalization and compression ofelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325, the buoyant-object 75will become buoyant and move under the motive force of buoyancy so as toopen swing-check-valve-flapper 360, whereupon the entire buoyant-object75 containing car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 of mass M (equalto about 4000 pounds in this example embodiment) will float upward tothe uptube-water-level 100, which also corresponds to height H (equal toslightly more than 1000 feet in this embodiment), where its progresswill be halted by contact with top-landing-pad 340 (see FIG. 15D-15H).Top-landing-pad 340, and the uptube-ceiling 275 are designed to stop thebuoyant-object such that when buoyant-object-doors 345 are opened, thetop of 345 is aligned with the top of top-exit-door 335 and the bottomis aligned with the top of the exit-ramp 310. In additionTop-landing-pad 340 can be designed to be deformable and compressive soas to absorb surplus inertial motion of buoyant-object 75, and thus actas a shock absorber when buoyant-object 75 is abruptly stopped.

The shape of the buoyant-object 75 as shown in FIG. 15C has beenintentionally altered in this embodiment from a simple cube in that:

1. the top has been rounded to be more bullet like so as to reduce fluiddrag, and hence increase motional speed and reduce turbulence.

2. the square sides have been maintained so as to match the internalsides and contours of the uptube 70, andelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 which also act asguided-means for buoyant-object 75 to remain upright and stable in itsaccent to top-landing-pad 340.

At this point in time (FIG. 15G) the embodiment has enter the“unload/reload” state where the car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350can be extracted at the top of the standing-column-of-water 330 byopening the apparatus water proof top-exit-door 335, and water tightbuoyant-object-door 345. Elevated-car 385 is driven out throughbuoyant-object-door 345 and top-exit-door 335 down exit-ramp 310 on toelevated-landmass-structure 315. The Elevated-car 385 has now gainedPotential Energy PE=MGH where M is the mass, G is the constant ofgravitation, and H is the height of the elevated-landmass-structure 315and PE is the gain in potential energy. A new vehicle (a differentelevated-car 385) already present on elevated-landmass-structure 315 cannow take the reverse course just describe and be loaded back into thebuoyant-object 75, by way of exit-ramp 310 and top-exit-door 335,buoyant-object-door 345. Doors 335 and 345 are then closed, sealed andreadied for the “decent stage”.

In this simple embodiment there is no energy conversion subsystem, sothere is no corresponding “energy conversion” system state. However,conversion of the potential energy gained by elevated-car 385 to otherforms of energy can still be achieved by other means (not shown), suchas by rolling/coasting the car downward on a sloping incline so as toincrease its speed and acceleration, thereby converting the increasedpotential energy to kinetic (motional) energy. Alternatively, if the caris a new hybrid model which is equipped with an electric generatorattached to the wheel's braking mechanisms, then the car can convertsome of this motional kinetic energy directly to electricity. Theelectrical power from the braking generators is transferred to, andstored in, the hybrid car's enclosed battery, which can be consumedlater by the vehicle's enclosed electric motor (again not shown).

The system can enter a “descent” state in two ways, first by slowlypurging water from the entire embodiment (not the buoyant-object 75)whereby buoyant-object 75 descends back to the ground level 280 where itagain rests upon bottom-landing-pad 270. Or, secondly by changing thebuoyancy of buoyant-object 75 so that less water is consumed.

Using this first method, when there is an abundance of elevated water,water release occurs when uptube 70 is still in fluid communication withthe elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 by way ofhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60 whenelectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 and electronic-water-drain-valve160 is opened by electronic-control-equipment 120 so as to purge watervia water-dump-pipe 305 to water-sink 265 which can be a public sewerconnection or a gravity feed to a body of water at a lower elevation.During the decent stage it is possible for swing-check-valve-flapper 360to close prematurely as water level decrease, thereby preventingbuoyant-object 75 from passing intoelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325. To prevent such anunwanted event, swing-check-valve-flapper 360 is temporarily locked inplace by electronically actuated swing-check-actuator 400 which iscontrolled via electronic-control-equipment 120. To complete the“descent” state swing-check-valve-actuator 400 is released which permitsgravity to close swing-check-valve-flapper 360, at which point thestanding-column-of-water 330 can be re-established by electronicallyopening reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140. This permits water toflow from elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 into uptube 70 viareservoir-fill-pipe 145. Note that using the first method the entirecolumn of standing water 330 must be refilled, which is not an issue insome cases, for example if you are at the foot of a Dam. The system nowenters the “initialization” state after the fluid levels in uptube 70have been re-established. The entire cycle comprising “initialization”,“load”, “levitate”, “unload/reload”, “energy conversion”, and “decent”state can be repeated indefinitely as long as water reserves inelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 are sufficient and replenished when thenext cycle is initiated.

When water reserves at elevated-landmass-structure 315 are notsufficiently abundant, or when an elevated water source is not availableat the top of elevated-landmass-structure 315 in FIG. 15A, then thesecond method to make the buoyant-object 75 descend can be used, whichconsists of making several slight modifications to the first descentstage, namely:

1. do not purge water from the entire embodiment, instead makebuoyant-object 75 variably buoyant by taking on ballast so that thebuoyant-object 75 can be made to sink during the embodiment's decentstate.

2. then purge the water at ground level from the ballast tank such thatbuoyant-object 75 is again buoyant when the “levitate” state is active.

3. empty and refill only the elevator-compression-decompression-chamber325 from a less elevated, less pressurized water source such asmoderately-elevated-water-source 405.

This alleviates the requirement to completely purgestanding-column-of-water 330 when buoyant-object 75 is in the “descent”state of operation, thereby saving an enormous amount of water. Toaccomplish this water saving goal buoyant-object 75'sbuoyant-object-ballast 375 is identified as really being a ballast tankwith a variable quantity of water in the tank as shown in FIG. 10D item376. Buoyant-object-ballast 375 can take on, or remove water from itsballast tank by opening ballast-tank-water-valve 410 (FIG. 10D, FIG.15G). The command to open the valve is received fromelectronic-control-equipment 120 through control-cables 125. Whencommanding ballast-tank-water-valve 410 open, control-cable 125electromagnetically couples power inductively to buoyant-object 75through lower-power-induction-coil 420, when buoyant-object is docked onbottom-landing-pad 270, or couples power inductively throughupper-power-induction-coil 425 when buoyant-object 75 is docked totop-landing-pad 340. Power is received in buoyant-object 75 viabuoyant-object-power-induction-coil 415 which is adjacent to, upper orlower power-induction-coils 420, 425 so as to receive external power.When power is present on buoyant-object-power-induction-coil 415ballast-tank-water-valve 410 is drive open. When power is removed frombuoyant-object-power-induction-coil 415, ballast-tank-water-valve 410closes. In both instances water flows in or out of buoyant-object 75under the force of gravity only when the ballast-tank-water-valve 410 isopen (note other methods such as pumping water out ofballast-tank-water-valve 410 are also possible, but not shown in thisembodiment).

When buoyant-object 75 is docked at the top of the apparatus (FIG. 15G)and touching top-landing-pad 340, and when electronic-control-equipment120 is ready to initiate the descent state, electronic-control-equipment120 provides power through control-cables 125 toupper-power-induction-coil 425, and supplies coupled power toballast-tank-water-valve 410. In addition mechanical-stop 430 isactuated by electronic-control-equipment 120 forcing solenoid rod intouptube 70 so as to prevent movement of buoyant-object 75 when ballast isbeing added to the capsule. At this point buoyant-object-ballast 375takes on water until it is full (or until theelectronic-control-equipment 120 turns power off) causing buoyant-object75 to no longer be buoyant, hence it sinks under the force of gravity assoon as mechanical-stop 430 is deactivated and retracted. The rest ofthe decent state operational description is unchanged from that whichhas been already described.

When buoyant-object 75 is docked at the bottom of the apparatus andtouching bottom-landing-pad 340, and when electronic-control-equipment120 is ready to initiate the “levitate” state,electronic-control-equipment 120 provides power through control-cables125 to lower-power-induction-coil 420, and supplies coupled power toballast-tank-water-valve 410. At this pointelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 has been purged of waterand is empty, therefore buoyant-object-ballast 375 purges water underthe force of gravity until buoyant-object-ballast 375 is empty (or untilthe electronic-control-equipment 120 turns power off) causingbuoyant-object 75 to be buoyant when surrounded by water. The rest ofthe “levitate” state operational description is unchanged.

Connections to a moderately-elevated-water-source 405 are optionallyprovided as a water reduction mechanism. Given that buoyant-object 75has been provided with the means to be variably buoyant, it is no longernecessary to purge the water from standing-column-of-water 330 in orderto make buoyant-object 75 descend. The only chamber that needs to becyclically refilled is the elevator-compression-decompression-chamber325, which can be refilled by any water source with an elevation onlyslightly greater than the top of swing-check-valve-flapper 360.Optionally this could also be supplied by a public/municipal watersupply that provides adequate water pressure to fillelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325. To effect this change,moderately-elevated-water-source 405, along withmoderately-elevated-water-source-pipe 435 that connectsmoderately-elevated-water-source 405 toelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 by way ofmoderately-elevated-water-source-valve 440 is utilized. Using the morewater conservative “levitate” state,moderately-elevated-water-source-valve 440 is opened byelectronic-control-equipment 120 sending control and power signalsthrough control-cables 125 whereby water frommoderately-elevated-water-source 405 flows throughmoderately-elevated-water-source-pipe so as to fillelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325. The rest of the“levitate” operational steps remain unchanged.

Water-pump 175 and associated pipes can also be utilized to reduce waterconsumption such that the elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 can be filled bywater-pump 175, eliminating the need to find an elevated water source onthe elevated-landmass-structure 315. Water-pump 175 is connected toelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 via water-pump-pipe 180 andpump-shutoff-valve 185, and is connected tomoderately-elevated-water-source 405 via water-pump-intake-pipe 445.Electronic-control-equipment 120 commands and powers water-pump 175 topump water in an upward direction and opens pump-shutoff-valve 185 toinitiate water flow from moderately-elevated-water-source 405 to the topof elevated-fluid-reservoir 135, when elevated-fluid-reservoir-sensor450 relays a fluid-low signal to electronic-control-equipment 120. Theoperationally elevated-fluid-reservoir 135, when used in conjunctionwith the variably buoyant buoyant-object 75, no longer needs to fullyreplace standing-column-of-water 330 on each use of the water elevator,instead elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 is used to initially fillstanding-column-of-water 330, and thereafter will only replace water dueto system leakage.

FIG. 16A-16I Embodiment 2, Ship Lift Mass Levitator at Dam

Embodiment 2, is a derivation and evolution of embodiments 1, in thatthe mass levitator is being used in FIG. 16A-16M as a ship/marine lift,which levitates a ship or other floating body to the top of a daminstead of car. Embodiment 2 FIG. 16A-16M is similar to Embodiment 1FIG. 15A-15M in that if retains the basic structure of the Embodiment1's water elevator (i.e. the structure of FIG. 15A), but it now requiresa water entry point and exist point to and from the apparatus such thata ship or boat can enter, as opposed to the ramp entrance/exit ofEmbodiment 1 which was designed for cars or trucks.

Major changes in the physical structure from FIG. 15A-15M to supportship levitation include:

1. Addition of dam-wall-extension-overhang 470 that supportselevated-water-channel 475.

2. Elevated-landmass-structure 315 becomes wall-of-dam 460 whichrepresents the physical mass of the dam that holds back the dam'swaters.

3. All references to elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 and its associatedpipes, valves, and sensors (140,145,135,170,450), have been removedsince the elevated water level at the top of the dam serves the purposesof the elevated-fluid-reservoir 135.

4. Uptube-water-fill-valve 465 now assumes the functionality ofrefilling standing-column-of-water 330 instead of reservoir-fill-pipe145.

5. Lower sealable water tight entry-door 285 used in embodiments FIG.15A-FIG. 15I to gain entrance intoelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 and which opened to airin FIG. 15A-15I, now become in FIG. 16A-16I alock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber 505 which opens to waterfilled lower-ship-channel 500, and where lower-ship-channel 500 is influid communication with the elevator-compression-decompression-chamber325 when the top-lock-gate 485 are open.

6. Similarly at the top of the apparatus sealable water tighttop-exit-door 335 used in FIG. 15A-15I to exit at the top of theapparatus and which previously opened to air, becomes a top-lock-gate485 which now opens to water filled upper-ship-channel 475 which is influid communication with standing-column-of-water 330 when top-lock-gate485 is open.

7. Compression-decompression-chamber 6 now drains to lower-ship-channel500 when electronic-water-drain-valve is opened viaelectronic-control-equipment 120 by signals traveling alongcontrol-cables 125.

8. The water level and pressure in compression-decompression-chamber 325equalizes to that of lower-ship-channel 500 when open.

9. car-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 350 becomesship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 495, while elevated-car 385 becomeselevated-ship 490, and car-at-ground-level becomes unelevated-ship 455.

FIG. 16A-16I Ship Mass-Levitator Detailed Description

From a simplistic view point the open loop system embodiments (FIG. 1A,15A-25H, 16A-16M) described herein are analogous to a more sophisticatedwater lock system that utilizes the mass-levitator principles ofoperation. Consider that a conventional water lock is intended totransfer a boat or other floating object from a region of lower waterlevel to a region of higher water level or vice versa. When a boat ownerwants to raise his vessel's elevation, the boat is first moved into thelock system chamber. Once the boat enters the lock chamber, the lock'sdoors are closed, and the water level in the lock chamber is increasedby flooding the chamber with the water that already exists at the higherelevation. The water exists at the higher elevation level because of theplanetary process of water evaporation and rain fall, and this is in asense a form of free energy supplied by the planet on a perpetual basis(another form of stored energy created by gravity and the sun). Sincesufficient water already exists at the higher elevation in this case,the water simply flows downhill to fill the lock chamber, and nophysical pumping action is require (but could be used). As the waterlevel rises, the boat rises and consequentially increases its potentialenergy, until the water levels at the higher elevation are equalizedwith the lock water level. At this point the lock gates can be openedand the boat proceeds onward with its journey. Note that the potentialenergy gained by the boat is greater than the energy that was suppliedby the lock operator and his equipment (the lock infrastructure), sincethe main lifting agent is buoyancy generated by the water that need onlyflow downhill into the ingenious device. The lock operator simply neededto assure that the lock doors are opened and closed when required, andthen let the water do the real work. Given a suitable lock mechanismlike that employed at the Panama Canal, the amount of energy required toclose the lock doors and run the lock system can be minimal compare tothe energy expended by the water to lift the boat. The Panama Canal locksystem accomplishes this energy minimization and optimization bypartially floating the lock doors and creating extremely well balancedpivots for the doors to move on. Hence the planet in the form ofelevated-water-reserves ultimately supplies the majority of energy usedto raise the ship in the lock. The source and origin of energy utilizedby the canal system is well understood as are the forces of buoyancy,and the role of gravity that act on the boat and water in thisapplication.

The ship levitator embodiment 2 of FIG. 16A-FIG. 16M, does not requirethe large continuous water flows of a lock system, yet retains somesimilarities and analogies to the hypothetical lock system, whileremoving some of its limitations: primarily the height to which a shipcan practically be levitated. As will be shown the mass-levitatormethods and embodiments are much more efficient with respect to wateruse, yet can be made to accomplish a similar goal. In FIG. 16Abuoyant-object 75 no longer contains buoyant-object-ballast tank 375,instead the entire hollow interior of buoyant-object 75 acts as aballast tank (see FIG. 10E). Buoyant-object 75 takes in water and theunelevated-ship 455 during the “load” state when unelevated-ship 455moves under its own motive force into the interior space ofbuoyant-object 75 through openlock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber 505 and then throughbuoyant-object-door 345 (FIG. 16A, FIG. 16C). The entire cyclecomprising “initialization” (FIG. 16A, detail FIG. 16B, detail FIG.16C), “load”, “levitate” (FIG. 16D, detail FIG. 16E), “unload/reload”(FIG. 16F, FIG. 16G), “energy conversion”, and “descent” state (FIG.16I, FIG. 16K) described via the text of FIG. 15A-H are still valid witha few minor changes described below.

When buoyant-object 75 is docked to top-landing-pad 340 (FIG. 16H,detail FIG. 16I) it is able to enter the “descent” state, that is whenballast-tank-water-valve 410 opens the buoyant-object 75 descends untilit reaches mechanical-stop 430. By the time buoyant-object 75 reachesthe level of mechanical-stop 430 it is no longer buoyant, that is afterbuoyant-object 75's internal water levels and pressures are equalized tolevels imposed by mechanical stop 430 due to the in rush of water thatoccurs when open ballast-tank-water-valve 410 is open. To keep openballast-tank-water-valve 410 in an open state,upper-power-induction-coil 425 must be extended in length to supportdownward movement of buoyant-object 75, since additional water is addedduring its descent to mechanical stop 430. An alternative solution thatdoes not require the extension of upper power-induction coil 425 wouldbe to include sufficient internal electrical power, sensors, andcontrols such that buoyant-object 75 is self-sufficient and able todetermine (through internal computer analysis of system sensors and/orby other means) when enough water ballast has been taken on to makebuoyant-object 75 descend with the proper speed.

When buoyant-object 75 is docked to bottom-landing-pad 270 after itsdescent state is complete (FIG. 16L, detail FIG. 16M), and afterelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 has purged water andequalized its water level via water-dump-pipe 305, the internal waterlevel in buoyant-object 75 is higher than the level of water inlower-ship-channel 500. At this time electronic-control-equipment 120opens ballast-tank-water-valve 410 by way ofbuoyant-object-power-induction-coil 415 which couples power fromlower-power-induction-coil 420. This action places the fluid interior ofbuoyant-object 75 in fluid communication with lower-ship-channel 500 soas to equalize the water levels and water pressure between both fluidbodies. When Equalization is completedlock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber 505 andbuoyant-object-door 345 can be opened so as to permit any enclosed ship(acting as the enclosed arbitrary mass) to exit the apparatus under itsown motive force.

Time-Sequence Through the Embodiment's States

To be complete the states of embodiment 2 are reviewed in time sequenceorder. In FIG. 16A compressionelevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 hasswing-check-valve-flapper 360 closed, water has been purged followingthe last “descent” state by opening electronic-water-drain-valve 160 soas to equalize water to lower-ship-channel 500 by the fluid connectionwater-dump-pipe 305 which is controlled by electronic-water-drain-valve160. Water levels within the buoyant object 75 have also reached thelevel of lower-ship-channel 500 when ballast-tank-water-valve 410 hasbeen opened so as to remove excess ballast fluid so as to make buoyantobject 75 once more buoyant. Buoyant-object 75 sits onbottom-landing-pad 270.

FIG. 16A also shows unelevated-ship 455 already present insidebuoyant-object 75 so as to become ship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass352. Unelevated-ship 455 has already entered buoyant-object 75 duringthe “load” state, when lock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber505 is open along with buoyant-object-door 345.Ship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 352 having entered into buoyantobject 75, now floats on the internal water ballast 375, contained inbuoyant-object 75.

In preparation for the “levitate” state these same fluid tight doors areclosed, and water floods elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325,lifting buoyant-object 75 off of bottom-landing-pad 270 to the level ofswing-check-valve-flapper 360. Control signals 125 fromelectronic-control-equipment 120 to swing-check-actuator 400 openswing-check-valve-flapper 360 and buoyant-object 75 rises throughelectronic-elevator-swing-check-valve 370 as shown in FIG. 16D anddetail FIG. 16E.

Buoyant object 75 continues its journey upward until it rises to the topof the embodiment as in FIG. 16F, where it is stopped by top-landing-pad340 and uptube-ceiling 275. Having reached the top of the embodiment,buoyant-object 75 enters the “unload/reload” state, where uponbuoyant-object 75 opens top-lock-gate 485 and buoyant-object-door 345,so that ship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 352 can exit out toupper-ship-channel 475, which is supported bydam-wall-extension-overhang 470. The ship having exited the waterelevator can now enter upper levels of the dam, shown as elevated-ship490. In a similar manner new elevated-ship 490 can navigate to theentrance of the water elevator (top-lock-gate) and can so as reload thewater elevator with a new ship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 352.

The “descent” state begins in FIG. 16H (and top detail FIG. 16I) bycomputer-control-equipment 120 energizing upper-power-induction-coil-dam480, which induces power inside buoyant-object 75 by way ofbuoyant-object-power-induction-coil 415, so as to openballast-tank-water-valve 410. As more water ballast is taken on bybuoyant-object 75 it begins to sink until it reaches mechanical-stop 430which has been extended to ensure that the proper water depth has beenadded and to ensure that all valves have been properly closed beforebuoyant-object's 75 further descent to the bottom of the embodiment.

FIG. 16J (and bottom detail 16K) shows buoyant-object 75 in the“descent” state with the extra acquired water ballast represented byhigh levels of water in the buoyant-object. This increased ballast isresponsible for making the buoyant-object sink, and it is therefore anexample of a variably buoyant buoyant-object.

In FIG. 16L (and bottom detail 16M) buoyant-object 75 is shown at thebottom of the elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 immediatelyafter its descent where it again rests on bottom-landing-pad 270. Tobring FIG. 16L back to the initialization state of FIG. 16A, water ispurged from elevator-compression-decompression-chamber 325 and buoyantobject 75 by opening electronic-water-drain-valve 160 andballast-tank-water-valve 410 so as to equalize water pressures and waterlevels to that of lower-ship-channel 500. At this pointlock-gate-to-compression-decompression-chamber 505 can be opened alongwith buoyant-object-door 345 so as to permitship-embodiment-of-an-arbitrary-mass 352 to be removed frombuoyant-object 75.

FIG. 17A-17C—Embodiment 3 Continuously Looping Single Uptube/DowntubeMass-Levitator with Energy Conversion

Embodiment 3 in FIG. 17A is a continuously looping mass levitatorcontaining a multiplicity of buoyant-objects with a linear energyconversion subsystem. FIG. 17B is a close up of the top of FIG. 17A,while FIG. 17C is a close up of the bottom of FIG. 17A. As can be seenthe entire embodiment is of tubular design consisting of fluid connectedtubing/pipes of adequate diameter to pass and guide buoyant-object 75around and through the stretched circular structure. Major structuralcomponents of Embodiment 3 will be described in a clockwise orderstarting with the uptube 70, followed by the more minor and oftenoptional components. Uptube 70 is a tubular pipe of sufficient diameterto enclose, contain, and permit passage of a multiplicity ofbuoyant-objects 75. Uptube 70 also contains and encloses the denseworking fluid 21 in which buoyant-objects 75 are buoyant, and in thisembodiment that dense fluid will be water. The choice for the densefluid being water in this embodiment is done due to water's manyadvantages including being relatively dense, abundant, cheap to acquire,generally incompressible, and environmentally friendly. As statedearlier the dense fluid 21 can be any dense fluid such as mercury,saltwater, or oil, however very viscous fluids are generally not asdesirable for some applications since the rate of upward travel of abuoyant-object in such fluids is generally slower. Uptube 70 isconnected to, and in fluid communication with upper-transition 215,which is a u-shaped tube of similar diameter tubing or pipe as uptube70. Uptube 70 and upper-transition 215 are nominally joined together atthe water-to-air-interface 100 so as to make a near seamless andcontinuous pipe/tube. Uptube-water-level 100 changes slightly as afunction of time, but nominally the water level set point is maintainedand controlled to be somewhere near the intersection of uptube 70 andthe upper-transition 215. The water set point is monitored using watersensor 170 and electronic-control-equipment 120. When water levels arelow, reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 is open and water flows downreservoir-fill-pipe 145 from elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 intoupper-transition 215. The connection of reservoir-fill-pipe 145 toupper-transition 215 is located above uptube-water-level 100 and shouldbe on the uptube 70 side of upper-transition 215 so that the water fromelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 does not enter connected downtube 40.Uptube 70 is in many specific embodiments engineered to be quitlong/tall, so as to permit the embodiment to reach a substantial height.As will be pointed out in the operations section, the height anddiameter of uptube 70 are directly correlated to the amount of energythat can be obtained from the embodiment, with the higher the uptube themore potential energy will be gain per pound of buoyant-object 75levitated. Uptube 70, being filled with water of possibly substantialheight, should be engineered to withstand the pressure generated bygravity at the bottom of this standing-column-of-water 330 (1 pound ofpressure for every 2.31 feet of water), hence some engineeringconsiderations should go into ensuring adequate thickness for pipes andthe sufficient structural bracing within the total system design. InFIG. 17A structural supports are shown as structural-support items 130.

Upper-transition 215 connects to, and is in fluid communication with,downtube 40. Downtube 40 is the tubular pipe between upper and lowertransitions that is filled with the light fluid 22 (i.e. air in thisembodiment), in which the buoyant-object 75 sinks and falls rapidly withthe near earth acceleration of gravity (i.e. 32 ft/sec2) when no energyconversion device is present. Downtube 40 is also a tubular pipe thatacts as the guided-means for buoyant-objects 75 decent into thelower-transition 245 and across the lower-fluid-interface 35. Downtube40 is circumferentially surrounded by a series of induction coils. Eachinduction coil consists of N turns of preferably low resistance wire. Asshown in FIG. 9 and in FIG. 17A each induction coil is of theapproximate length of a buoyant-object. Buoyant-objects 75 generateelectrical pulses by Faradays law of induction when buoyant-object 75'senclosed magnetic arrays pass through induction coils 80. Thecomposition of buoyant-objects containing magnetic material are aspreviously described and given in FIGS. 12A-12J, and 13A. Each inductioncoil is wired into the pulse-conversion-subsystem 85, which haselectrical-output 90, and where electrical-output 90 represents theelectrical load and output for the electrical pulse conversion system.Downtube 40 connects at its bottom to an optional normally openemergency-fluid-stop 556, which in this embodiment is an inverted swingcheck valve mounted so that its buoyant flapper will close if waterlevels reach the height of the emergency-fluid-stop 556's buoyantflapper. Emergency-fluid-stop 556 in turn connects to thelower-transition 245, shown in FIG. 17A as a J-shaped hollow tubularpipe filled with buoyant-objects 583 of the type shown in FIG. 12F.Lower-transition 245 connects on the left side bottom side of FIG. 17Ato the compression-decompression-chamber 105 (as in FIG. 4F) whichconsists of two swing check valves 20 and 25 connected bycompression-decompression-tube 30, electronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve45, and electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50.Compression-decompression-chamber 105 connects to the top of uptube 70via electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 andhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60. Compression-decompression-chamber105 also connects to the lower-transition 245 viaelectronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45, lower-pressure-equalization-tube55. When upper-swing-check-valve 25 is closed a secondary current flowpath is provided for fluid to flow upward through uptube 70, downhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60, and back to uptube 70 viauptube-secondary-flow-pipe 65. Compression-decompression-chamber 105 byconnecting to uptube 70 completes the close loop system in the form ofFIG. 2.

The embodiment of FIG. 17A is supported by electronic-control-equipment120, connected power and control cables 125, and a multiplicity ofsensors, electronic fluid valves, mechanically actuated stops, pumps andother control mechanisms. Sensors shown in FIG. 17A which report toelectronic-control-equipment 120 includecompression-decompression-chamber-pressure-sensor 107,downtube-water-level-sensor 165, and uptube-water-level-sensor 170.Electronically actuated fluid valves controlled byelectronic-control-equipment 120 via control-cables 125 includeelectronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45,electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50,reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140, electronic-water-drain-valve160, and expansion-tank-output-control-valve 230.

Water-pump 175 is turned by electronic-control-equipment 120 and fillselevated-fluid-reservoir 135 via water-pump-pipe 180 fromexternal-water-supply 240 by opening water-pump-shutoff-valve 185.Alternatively lower-transition 245 can be provided with additional fluidfrom lower-transition-expansion-tank 110 by openingexpansion-tank-output-control-valve 230 whenlower-transition-expansion-tank has recovered fluid from impact pressurewaves in lower-transition 245 that arise when buoyant-objects 75 impingupon and impact air-water-fluid-interface 35 after falling throughdowntube 40. Lower transition pressure waves are directed into expansiontank 110 via lower-expansion-tank-pipe 205 andlower-expansion-tank-check-valve 200.

Optional emergency-stop-switch 295 cuts power to, and power output from,pulse-conversion-subsystem 85 and informs electronic-control-equipment120 to actuate optional emergency-stop-means 290 which can for exampleinsert a solenoid rod into downtube 40 so as to prevent furtherbuoyant-objects 75 from entering downtube 40. Similar emergency actionand other commands to access system reports, view current systemconditions, and other system state changes (e.g. filling system after amaintenance drain) can be issued by optional system-operator 390 thoughoptional system-display-gui 395. System access and maintenance isfacilitated by entrance into embodiment 3's internal pipes throughlower-access-hatch 220 and upper-access-hatch 150, wherebybuoyant-object 75 can be removed or added if desired.

FIG. 17A-17C Operational Details, Continuously Looping SingleUptube/Downtube Mass-Levitator with Energy Conversion

A closed system embodiments is shown in FIG. 17A, Embodiment 3, whichcorresponds to the basic closed loop system of FIG. 2, with thebottom-FID 16 consisting of swing-check-valvecompression-decompression-chamber 105 and lower-transition 245 as inFIG. 6, bent-pipe style upper-FID 17 of the type shown in FIG. 8, andlinear inductive energy conversion system as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 17Ais a “closed” system embodiment because the buoyant-objects 75 do notleave the structure of the embodiment as they did in the water elevator.Instead the embodiment's primary function is to move and continuouslycirculate this set of encapsulated buoyant-objects 75 via the internaltubular structure and generate energy in the process.

The embodiment consisting of a self-contained tube or chamber 105 thatcan effectively contain the working fluid's associated weight andpressure. This standing column of dense fluid 330 is primarily composedof a single tube denoted as the “uptube” 70 since the buoyant-objectfloats upward in this portion of the embodiment. The uptube 70 containsmany buoyant-objects 75 all of which are progressing upward and draggingthe dense fluid toward the top of the embodiment at the same time.

Embodiment 3 contains one dense fluid region 21, where the dense fluidregion is water, however the dense fluid could be any dense fluid suchas mercury, salt water, or oil. Embodiment 3 also contains onelight-fluid 22 region which is identified as air at normal atmosphericpressure, but as previously discussed this less dense fluid could easilybe He, O2, CO2 etc.

The two interfaced fluid regions of embodiment 3, FIG. 17A are comprisedof mutually connected tubular pipes, that are joined into the overallshape of an elongated ellipse or stretched circle that are all ofsufficient diameter to freely contain and pass buoyant-object 75 fromand through the top and bottom fluid-interface-mechanisms. The overallupward stretched shape reflects the goal of levitating buoyant-objects75 via buoyancy in the dense fluid to a sufficient height so as toincrease the buoyant-object's gravitational potential energy. Eventuallythis augmented energy will be extracted and converted to other forms ofenergy when buoyant-object 75 falls through the less dense fluid indowntube 40. The interior tubular pipe walls act as guided-means todirect a multiplicity of circular or ellipsoidal buoyant-objects 75through the interior spaces of the embodiment in a continuously circularmanner under the influence of the motive forces of gravity and/orbuoyancy.

The dense fluid (water) exists in three sections of the mass levitatoras follows:

1. standing-column-of-water 330 as in FIG. 4E, which consists of atubular standing column of water created from a pipe which can be ofvarious shapes (such as square, rectangle, or elliptical or circular)but is represented as circular tube or pipe in this apparatus.Standing-column-of-water 330 is always present when the apparatus is ina working state, that is when it not being repaired or initialized. Thiscolumn of water is the dense region of fluid which will propelbuoyant-object 75 upward under the force of buoyancy.Standing-column-of-water 330 is a water chamber formed from uptube 70'stubular interior walls and is bounded on the bottom by the flapper ofupper-swing-check-valve 25 and on the top by the bottom ofupper-transition 215 which also hosts the water-to-air interface (anunpressurized fluid interface in this embodiment) where water and airmeet in the interior space of the pipe.

2. lower-transition 245 as in FIG. 6—is an unpressurized dense fluidregion containing water. Lower-transition 245 is a tubular j-shaped pipein FIG. 6 that makes a 180 degree bend so as to connect the downtube 40to lower-swing-check-valve 20, which is part ofcompression-decompression-chamber 105.

3. compression-decompression-chamber 105 as in FIG. 4F which is composedof lower-swing-check-valve 20, upper-swing-check-valve 25,compression-decompression-tube 30, electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve45, lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55,electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50, andhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60.

The light fluid (air) exists in two sections of the mass levitator asfollows:

1. Downtube 40 as in FIG. 6—is a region in the apparatus composed oftubular connected pipe containing only the less dense fluid, (in thisembodiment air).

2. upper transition 215 as in FIG. 8—is a 180 degree bent hollow tube orpipe which is in fluid communication with, and joints to downtube 40, onthe left and interfaces and joins to the uptube 70 on the left. Thewater to air interface is contained in the upper transitions, and as thewater level in uptube 70 fluctuates, the water to air interface 100 mayexist temporarily near the top of the uptube 70 or may be locatedsomewhere on the left half of upper transition 215.

The bottom fluid interface device (FID) of embodiment 3 is of the formof compression-decompression-chamber 105 as shown in detail in FIG. 6.It is formed from the interior walls of compression-decompression-tube30, and the flappers of lower-swing-check-valve 20,upper-swing-check-valve 25, and lower-transition 245.Compression-decompression-chamber 105 changes states from a compressedand pressurized fluid state with fluid pressure equal to the pressure atthe bottom of standing-column-of-water 330 to decompressed unpressurizedfluid state equal to the pressure of the uncompressed-fluid-in lowertransition 245 in a cyclic manner.

Pressure equalization of compression-decompression-chamber 105 to thepressure level at the bottom of standing-column-of-water 330 is achievedby connecting compression-decompression-tube 30 to the top of uptube 70by opening electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 so that a smallamount of fluid flows into fluid-interface-mechanism 105 by way ofhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60. It is no exaggeration to state thatthe amount of water required to pressurize the already existing water influid-interface-mechanism 105 is very small because water is arelatively incompressible fluid (bulk modulus of water is 3.12×105lbs/in2). Similarly decompression of compression-decompression-chamber105 occurs by opening electronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45 so as topermit fluid to flow out of lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55 intolower-transition 245. Swing check valves 20 and 25 are sized andengineered so as to permit buoyant-object 75 to pass freely through, andact as guided-means through the swing check valves interior spaces.

Fluid levels in the device are shown as downtube-water-level 35 anduptube-water-level 100, and represent fluid interfaces in the embodiment(also known as air-water-fluid-interface 35 and water-to-air-interface100). The embodiment contains the dense fluid 21 (i.e. water) and is influid communication with all associated chambers and pipes betweenwater-to-air-interface 100 in upper-transition 215, through thecompression-decompression-chamber 105, and through the lower-transition245 to air-water-fluid-interface 35. The embodiment contains thelighter, less dense fluid (e.g. air) from water-to-air-interface 100across the upper-transition 215, through downtube 40 and optionalemergency-fluid-stop 556 to the air-water-fluid-interface 35.

The column of water of arbitrary height exerts a downward force on theflapper of check valve 25 when the water pressure in thecompression/decompression chamber 105 is equalized to the pressure levelof the lower transition. When the compression/decompression chamber isin this low pressure condition, it is said to exist in the decompressedstate. Hence check valve 25's flapper, must be capable of holding backthe full pressure of the standing water column 330 within someacceptable standard of leakage. When compression-decompression chamber105 is in the compressed state, water pressure in chamber 105 isequalized to the pressure in the uptube 70. In the compressed state thestanding-column-of-water 330 is held back (prevented from collapse intothe downtube 40) by lower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper. Anybuoyant-object(s) in the compression-decompression-chamber 105 are thenable to open the flapper on check valve 25 and begin their trip to thetop of standing-column-of-water 330 (water-to-air-interface 100) viauptube 70.

As previously stated, compression-decompression-chamber 105, inconjunction with lower transition 245 and part of downtube 40, acts asthe bottom fluid-interface-device which transits and guides buoyantobjects between light and dense fluid regions while maintaining thepressure differential setup by standing-column of water 330. Itseparates the light and dense fluid regions while preventing thestanding-column-of-water 330 from collapsing into downtube 70. Thelocation of this pressure differential is either at the top or thebottom of compression-decompression-chamber 105 depending on the statewithin its enclosed pressure chamber. Hence, the pressurized tounpressurized dense fluid interface in this embodiment is movable, andshifts as a result of the state of the compression-decompression-chamber105. When compression-decompression-chamber 105 is pressurized, thetransition from high pressure to low pressure is separated by theflapper of lower-swing-check-valve 20, and whencompression-decompression-chamber 105 is depressurized or “decompressed”the pressurized fluid interface moves to the flapper ofupper-swing-check-valve 25. The one or more buoyant-objects that arecontained in fluid-compression-decompression-chamber 105 are alsoundergoing a state change from being in a region of low pressure, tobeing in a region of typically much greater pressure. Additionally theforce that it takes to open swing check valves 20 and 25 changes greatlydepending on the state of the fluid-interface-mechanism 105. Whencompression-decompression-chamber 105 is in the decompressed state theflapper of lower-swing-check-valve 20 can easily be opened so as topermit entrance of buoyant-object 75 into thecompression-decompression-chamber 105. Similarly whencompression-decompression-chamber 105 is in the pressurized (compressed)state the flapper of upper-swing-check-valve 25 can easily be opened soas to permit buoyant-object 75 to leave the chamber.

When a buoyant-object 75 has passed throughcompression-decompression-chamber 105 it naturally rises to the top ofthe fluid column (water-to-air-interface 100) under the force ofbuoyancy, with the interior walls of the uptube 70 acting asguided-means during its upward motion. This first buoyant-object 75 willrest at water-to-air-interface 100 until the next (second)buoyant-object is released from the compression-decompression-chamber105 and makes the same trip upward toward water-to-air-interface 100,where this second buoyant-objects rests just below the first. The secondbuoyant-object abuts against the first/top buoyant-object 75 so as toapply its upward buoyant force to the top buoyant-object 75 such thefirst buoyant-object moves upward slightly. The second buoyant-object isfollowed by the release of a third, fourth, and on-going succession ofbuoyant-objects that are released from thecompression-decompression-chamber 105, all of which travel upward so asto lineup below each other and apply their force of buoyancy in anupward direction, to the buoyant-object directly above. Eventuallyenough buoyant-objects 75 are stacked up below the first buoyant-objectso as to apply their cumulated force to the top buoyant-object and by sodoing levitate the top buoyant-object completely out of the dense fluidat water-to-air-interface 100 and into the upper-transition 215. Thecontinuous stacking of buoyant-objects under water-to-air-interface 100continuously forces the top most buoyant-object out of the dense fluidin a sequential and continuous fashion. Each buoyant-object that existsin the dense fluid forces the buoyant-objects already in theupper-transition 215 further into the upper-transition so as to provideenough motive force to push along the entire string of buoyant-objectthat enters the upper-transition 325 through the upper-transition 325and into downtube 40. Once buoyant-object 75 enters the downtube itexperiences the full downward force of gravity, at which time theacquired gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.

The buoyant-objects in FIG. 17A are of the form in FIG. 12F in thisembodiment and are composed of an internal magnetic array and itsenclosing fluid proof capsule, where the magnetic array are configuredin such a way as to increase electrical induction according to Faraday'slaw of induction as described in the text associated with FIG. 9. Uponentering the downtube 40, the buoyant-object (buoyant in the dense fluid21, but subject to the full gravitational attraction force G in the lessdense, light fluid 22) essentially falls (or if the downtube issloped—slides or rolls) downward through induction coils 80, with thesubsequent generation of induced pulse waveforms. The series ofinduction pulses result in electrical output at 90. The electricalpulses are then suitably converted to AC or DC current via thepulse-conversion-subsystem 85.

Due to the fact that water is being dragged upward, a path for the waterto circulate can optionally be added to reduce the splash and turbulencethat would otherwise occur at the interface. An optional circulationpath, when the compression/decompression chamber 105 is in thedecompressed state, is shown as the closed path from the top of uptube70 through secondary fluid tubes 60 and 65 and then back to the bottomof uptube 70 to complete the circuit. In addition to providing acirculation path, the circulation caused by water drag will influencethe speed of the water in uptube 70, the speed of accent of thebuoyant-object, and can potentially reduce transit time of eachbuoyant-object through the uptube 70. The resulting smoother circulationof fluid within the device effectively increases the overall energyefficiency of the embodiment.

The buoyant-object overall density must be less than the fluid itdisplaces, if the buoyant-object is to be buoyant. There is a wide rangeof densities that could be used for buoyant-objects, however from anengineering point of view the factional percentage of the weight of thebuoyant-object's volumetric fluid displacement is a useful metric whichwe denote as the “load factor” in this application. For example, if thebuoyant-object is loaded at 75%, it means that the buoyant objectweights 75% of the water that it displaces, and has 25% of its displacedfluid weight available as the upward buoyancy force vector. Hence onesuch buoyant-object is capable of lifting one third of its own weight.Therefore, it will take the buoyancy of at least three other 75% loadedstacked buoyant-objects that are immersed in the dense fluid to begin tolift one other similarly loaded buoyant-object out of the dense fluid(e.g. water) into light fluid (e.g. air).

To make the discussion more concrete, suppose the weight of fluiddisplaced by the buoyant-object was one pound (equivalent to a sphere ofabout 3.75 inches in diameter), then a 75% load factor would mean thatthe buoyant-object weighs 75% of 1 pound or 0.75 lbs, and it thereforehas a buoyancy lift force of 0.25 lbs upward. To lift one buoyant-objectwill require a lift force of 0.75 lbs, which can be supplied by 3 suchbuoyant-objects which supply an upward force of 0.25 lbs each. In FIG.17B several more buoyant-objects will need to be stacked below the fluidinterface 100 to push two of three buoyant-object over the uppertransition 215 before the buoyant object can be transitioned and droppedinto the downtube 40. In FIG. 17B, the upper-transition 215 containsapproximately two buoyant-objects that must be lift in the uppertransition before they begin their descent, hence in this caseapproximately six or seven buoyant-objects loaded to 75% will berequired to push the top most buoyant-object located at interface 100over the upper transition into downtube 40. More than the minimallyrequired six or seven stacked buoyant-object will increase the totalmotive force, decrease the time, and increase the velocity of thebuoyant-object's upward progress. For any given uptube 70 and uppertransition 215 geometry the computations are similar to those justdescribe. The important point is that no other external forces need acton the buoyant-objects at the interface 100 in order to push that samebuoyant-object into the down tube 40, given a suitable load factor, suchas 75%.

If buoyant-object 75 weights 100% of the fluid weight that it displaces,the buoyant-object will be neutrally buoyant, and will not move up ordown in the enveloping dense fluid. If it weighs more than the fluid itdisplaces, it will sink. In this embodiment the buoyant-objects mustmove upward with some speed, yet should carry as most weight as possibleto maximize the potential energy gain that is directly related to theincrease in mass (PE=MGH). Hence buoyant-object 75 in this embodimenttypically (but not always) weighs approximately 60% to 85% of the densefluid that they displace when completely submerged. Therefore, if theworking fluid is water and buoyant-object displaces one pound of water,the encapsulated magnetic material plus the casing surrounding themagnetic material can be engineered to weight 0.6 to 0.85 of a pound.Hence the buoyant-object will float in the dense fluid, and is said tobe loaded by 60% to 85% respectively.

Again when the target load factor is desired to be 75%, thebuoyant-object generates a net force of buoyancy equal to a quarter ofpound (0.25 lbs.), which acts on the buoyant-object so as to provide itwith upward motive force (buoyancy) against the force of gravity. Sincein a practical design there can be many more buoyant-objects in theuptube (75) at any given time (potentially hundreds or thousandsdepending on the design goals and the height of the uptube), there is bydesign more than enough accumulated upward force from stackedbuoyant-objects in the uptube to push the upper most buoyant-objectacross the water-air interface 100 into to the downtube 40.

When the buoyant-object falls through the induction coils (80) andreaches air to water interface 35 the opposite situation arises, inwhich the buoyant-object needs to be forced under the dense fluid tolight fluid interface 35. One can deduce using the logic just statedthat one buoyant-object weighing 0.75 lbs in our example, can cancel theupward buoyancy force of three submerged 75% loaded buoyant-objects thatare pushing upward with a force of 0.25 pounds each. Stated another way,3 buoyant objects weighing 0.75 lbs each (2.25 lbs total weight) locatedabove the fluid interface will completely submerge 8 buoyant objectsthat are generating a net upward force of 2.0 lbs. This means that thereis also no difficulty in forcing a number of buoyant-objects below theair-water-fluid-interface 35 and across the lower transition (245) usingno external power other than that supplied by gravity.

When the buoyant-objects, are submerged in lower transition 245, theythen enters the left half of lower transition 245, where they begin torise upward again. At this point in the embodiment's cycle, thebuoyant-object 75 is submerged (light fluid exchanged for the densefluid) and is floating upward, but the buoyant-object has not crossedthe pressure differential which has been created by the standing columnof water 330. The buoyant-object floats upward until it reaches theflapper 550 of the lower check valve 20. If there is no pressuredifferential between the lower most region of the lower-transition 245and the compression-decompression chamber 105, then the buoyant objectpushes open the swing check valve 20's flapper 550 (see detail in FIG.4C) and moves into the compression-decompression-tube 30.

It is only when the fluid pressure has been equalized to that of thelower transition 215 that the swing check valve flapper 550 can bepushed open and the buoyant-object 75 can fully enters thecompression-decompression chamber 105. At this point the bottom swingcheck valve 20's flapper closes. Nextelectronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 is open which makes a connectionvia high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 between uptube 70 and the totalweight of standing-column-of-water 330 and the compression-decompressionchamber 105. The compression-decompression chamber 105 is pressurized byadding a very small amount of the working fluid by volume until thepressures are equalized on either side of the upper check valve 25. Atthe point of pressure equalization the buoyant-object 75 uses itbuoyancy force vector to push open the top swing check valve (25), andthe buoyant-object (75) proceeds to float to the top of standing columnof water 330 and to the desired height H. To prepare for thecompression-decompression-chamber 105 for the next buoyant-object, thepressure in compression-decompression-chamber 105 is equalized to thelower transition's 245 pressure level by opening fluid valve 45 andconnecting pipe 55 between the compression-decompression-chamber 105 andthe lower-transition 215. The next buoyant-object 75 can then proceedsinto compression-decompression-chamber 105 and the cycle of compressionand decompression can occur in a rhythmic cycle as the buoyant objectsare moved through this fluid interface device that works on the motiveforce of gravity and buoyancy.

Energy is required to activate the automatic fluid control valves(45,50), control circuitry (120), and the embodiment requires anadditional small amount of water from the uptube 70, that represents asmall energy drain in the system. However this energy loss due to waterexchange between uptube 70 and lower-transition 245 can be made verysmall compared to the potential energy gained by the buoyant-object 75upon being levitated to height H. Also consider that this small amountof the dense fluid that is removed (or leaked) from the standing columnof water 330 during each cycle which must be replaced. This can be doneby occasionally running a small pump, by having each buoyant-object holda small amount of water that is dumped at the top transition 215 usingfor example buoyant object of the type shown in FIG. 12 G/12H, by havingone buoyant-object in some group of buoyant-object be devoted tocarrying water as in FIG. 11B/11C, or by doing careful engineering inwhich the net upward force of all the buoyant-object together creates apumping effect by dragging water upward.

The amount of water required to compress a few cubic feet of water inthe compress-decompression chamber (105) amounts to a few drops of waterdue to the relatively incompressible nature of water. Again consider thesame example used in the prior art section at the beginning of theapplication, where the standing-column-of-water 330 is a cylinder ofheight 20 ft of diameter 4 inches, and where the ball is 4 inch indiameter, the compression-decompression-chamber is 50.26 inch3, and thepressure at the bottom of the standing-column-of-water 330 is 8.66 psi.Given a bulk modulus of water of 3.12×105 lbs/in2 the 50.26 inch3 ofwater in the compression-decompression-chamber 105 when under 8.66 psiof additional pressure will induce a volume decrease of 0.0014 cubicinches. This is equivalent to a cube of water approximately 0.1 incheson each side or approximately one drop of water that is required topressurize this chamber. This one drop of water will weigh 5×10−5 poundsand when replaced at the top of the 20 ft standing-column-of-water 330represents 0.001 Joules of energy. In contrast the elevated 75% loadedball of 4 inch diameter represents 24.6 Joules of energy when elevated20 ft. For a potential net gain in energy of approximately 24.6 Joules.

Thinking big, a 6 ft diameter sphere loaded to 75% of the displacedwater will weigh 5,294 lbs, displace 7,060 lbs of water, and if elevated250 ft will represent 1.8 Million Joules of energy. To make thispossible the FIG. 17A's compression-decompression-chamber 105 may be atleast 6 ft diameter, and 6 ft height, which will represent 293,148 cubicinches of water volume, at a pressure of 108 psi. Using the bulk modulusto compute the amount of water added we 102 cubic inches of water topressurize the entire volume. This volume of water weights approximately3.7 pounds and will cost 1,240 Joules to refill for a net energy gain ofapproximately 1.8 million Joules (the water replacement cost ofpressurizing the chamber is insignificant). One buoyant object persecond yields approximately 1.8 Megawatts per second which is equivalentto a 1.8 Megawatt power station. As stated earlier the weight of waterdisplaced by a sphere is proportional to the volume of a sphere whichscales as the cube of the radius. Therefore one 60 ft sphericalbuoyant-object per second (10 times the radius of the 6 ft sphere) in aclosed loop mass-levitator of the Form FIG. 17A, the rising 250 ft willgenerate approximately 1,800 Megawatts of power.

The buoyant-objects, having fallen through the linear induction coil 80,effectively convert part of their kinetic energy to electrical pulses byFaraday's law of induction. The final velocity at which they arrive atthe lower fluid interface 35 is a function of the total height of theembodiment, the strength of the magnetic material in the buoyant-object,how much power has been extracted from the total kinetic energy, and byother factors such as friction.

The excess energy in the form of kinetic energy, and thebuoyant-object's weight can also contribute to pushing one or morebuoyant-objects through lower transition 245 where they begin theircyclic journey upward. As previously disused a buoyant-object that isloaded by say 75 percent will be able to push three otherbuoyant-objects under the fluid level, therefore even if thebuoyant-object arrives at the fluid interface 35 with virtually zerosurplus kinetic energy the accumulated weight of several buoyant-objectswill be sufficient to force other buoyant-objects through the lowertransition.

Given that the design parameters of a specific embodiment generate asignificant surplus kinetic energy which impinges on fluid interface 35,there are various mechanisms for partially recovering some of thisenergy which is otherwise wasted in the form of pressure waves,turbulence, splash, or other mechanisms. One method to recover some ofthis surplus energy is through the use of expansion tanks 110 whichcontain an internally pressurized diaphragm, and which can accept andstore part of the impact pressure wave's energy. Swing check valve 200is used to insure that the water flow due to the impact at fluidinterface 35 is always into the expansion tank. In addition a path forthe water to circulate within the lower transition 245 can be providedwhich will cut down the turbulence and pressure created when thebuoyant-objects 75 strike the fluid interface 35. When the chamber is ina compressed state, the circulation path for impact pressure waves isprovided through pipe 205 and one way check valve 200. Water from theexpansion tank 110 can re-enter the system when automatic value 230 arein an open position by way of pipe 255.

Filling and Draining of the System

Initial filling of the system is supported by a private or public fluidsource 240, which is controlled by automatic valve 185, throughassociated pipe 187. The system is filled from the top, and isaccomplished by release of fluid from elevated-fluid-reservoir 135,through reservoir-fill-pipe 145 and reservoir-electronic-control-valve140. Filling of elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 is accomplished by openingpump-shutoff-valve 185 and through the use of optional water-pump 175.Water-pump 175 may not be needed if the water supply source hassufficient pressure to fill elevated-fluid-reservoir 135. Draining thesystem for maintenance/repair is accomplished viaelectronic-water-drain-valve 160 through associated drain-pipe 155 intothe public-private-fluid-disposal 265.

FIG. 18A-C—Embodiment 4 Continuously Looping Double Uptube SingleDowntube Mass-Levitator with Energy Conversion

FIG. 18A, embodiment 4 is nearly a copy of FIG. 17A, embodiment 3 exceptthat embodiment 4 has two uptubes 70 with a slightly bent and deformedshape near the top so as to join the dual uptubes with the singledowntube 40, which has also been bent at the bottom and forked so as torecombine and join together the two lower-transitions 245. FIG. 18B is aclose up of the top of FIG. 18A, while FIG. 18C is a close up of thebottom of FIG. 18A. FIG. 18A, embodiment 4 serves to illustrate thefollowing major points and differences over that of FIG. 17A:

1. Multiple uptubes 70 with a single downtube 40 are possible and may bedesirable so as to increase the rate at which buoyant-objects 75 flowthrough the induction-coils 80. This feature can be desirable since therate at which a buoyant-object 75 rises in the uptube is many timesslower (due to dense-fluid 21's viscosity) than the rate of fall due togravity in the light-fluid 22, and since the electrical power isgenerated only when buoyant-objects containing magnetics or magneticarrays are moving through induction-coils 80. Due to the cost of theinduction coils it makes sense to provide multiple uptubes and a singleset of induction coils which represent a major capital expense.

2. Various types of buoyant-objects 75 can be sent through theembodiment. FIG. 17A utilizes buoyant-object-ellipse-magnetic-array 583(as in FIG. 12F) whereas FIG. 18 utilizesbuoyant-object-ellipsoid-dual-magnetic-array 506 (as in FIG. 12B).

3. Many shapes are possible for the uptubes 70 and downtubes 40. Thesimple double U shapes of FIG. 17's upper and lower transitions (215,245) are only one possibility.

4. Provides an example of the use of electronic-swing-check-valve 557(as in FIG. 7A), which replaces both FIG. 17A's manualswing-check-valves 555 (as in FIG. 4C) and thesolenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117.

5. Provides an example where high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 anduptube-secondary-flow-pipe 65 are more smoothly combined together, andwhere these combined pipes/tubes extends downward so as to combine withthe lower-transition 245 just below the lower swing check valve 20. Theslight change in shape provides a means to more effectively drain thesystem when high-pressure-electronic-water-drain-valve 162 is open alongwith electronic-water-drain-valve 160.

6. Provides an example of a more complex mass-levitator that does notfit the simplified structure of FIG. 2 or 3, instead FIG. 18A representsan example of the more generalized mass-levitator having multiplyconnected regions, and multiple fluid interface device connecting onecentral downtube 40.

All parts numbers and part functions are identical with those of FIG.17A, embodiment 3 with a few additional modifications to accommodate theextra uptube, and make the flow of buoyant-objects smooth andconsistent. These changes include:

1. Addition of 2 pairs of solenoid timing and motion control rods 117 atthe top and bottom of each uptube and at the bottom of downtube 40. Atthe top of each uptube 70 solenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 servesthe function of ensuring that only one buoyant-object 506 (as in FIG.12B) at a time can enter the downtube 40, while at the bottom downtube40 solenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 serves the function ofdeflecting the falling buoyant-object 506 into the left or rightlower-transition 245.

2. Elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 now fills both the left and right handupper-transition 215 from reservoir-fill-pipe 145 when the left or theright reservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 is opened. Filling ofelevated-fluid-reservoir 135 is unchanged.

3. Pressure equalization of the compression-decompression-tube 30 to thelower-transition 245 pressure levels still occurs vialower-pressure-equalization-tube 55 whenelectronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45 is open, however the attachmentpoint of lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55 into lower-transition 245has been moved to be located directly across from U-shapedlower-transition 245. In addition top-downtube-check-valve 190 has beenadded to ensure that water flows away fromcompression-decompression-tube 30 in one direction only. This slightchange in lower-transition 245 pipe/tube connections provides thepossibility for fluid circulation of the dense-fluid 21 within the pathformed by lower-transition 245, lower-swing-check-valve 20,compression-decompression-tube 30, lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55,top-downtube-check-valve 190 and back to lower-transition 245 whenlower-swing-check-valve 20's flapper is open along withelectronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45.

Operationally, FIG. 18A functions in almost exactly the same manner asFIG. 17A, hence the duplicated functionality, and functionality alreadydescribed for FIG. 18A will not be elaborated and described again.Buoyant-objects 506 are continuously driven through acompression-decompression cycle by the forces of gravity and buoyancy asthey are guided to enter and exit the compression-decompression-tube 30bound on the bottom by electronic swing-check-valve 20 and on the top byelectronic swing-check-valve 30, which now exist on both the left andright hand sides of the embodiment. Electronic-control-equipment 120monitors and controls the motion of buoyant-objects 506 by selectivelyopening the electronic flapper of electronic-swing-check-valves 557 soas to permit a single buoyant-object 506 intocompression-decompression-tube 30 at one time, and selectively releasinga buoyant-object 506 into the left or right uptubes 70 as needed.Downtube 40 buoyant-object flow is maximized by the two pairs ofsolenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 at the top and the bottom of thedowntube 40, where the top set alternates entry of buoyant-objects fromthe right followed by the left into downtube 40, whereas the bottom pairof solenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 deflect the buoyant-objects506 to the right or left so as to redistribute and numerically split thebuoyant-objects into the left or right transitions as required.

FIG. 19A-19C—Embodiment 5 Water Pump at Dam

FIG. 19A shows a Dam in the process of being filled with water by amass-levitator. FIG. 19A with top detail 19B and bottom detail 19Cprovide cross sectional views of embodiment 5, which conforms to thegeneral template of FIGS. 2 and 3, with a slight variation in that thereare several connected regions of water acting as the dense fluid:low-elevation-water-source 190, elevated-water 195, and water in uptube70 and lower transition 245. FIG. 19A retains most of the functionalityand internal parts of FIG. 17A, embodiment 3 except that embodiment 5uptube 70 and downtube 40 are shaped like the left hand side of FIG.18A, embodiment 4 with the addition of a secondary attached drain pipeshaped as a large kitchen spigot(upper-transition-dense-fluid-drain-pipe 219) whose purpose is to drainwater (the dense fluid 21) from the upper-transition 215 and to guidethe waters flow to a fill point behind the dam-structural-wall 137 intoelevated-water 195. Water is pumped/levitated to the top of Embodiment5, by buoyant-objects 525 containing an internal fluid chamber andinternal sealing swing check valves as shown in FIG. 11A through FIG.11C.

FIG. 19A, embodiment 5 servers to illustrate the following major points,differences, and unique possibilities over that of 17A:

1. Water or other dense-fluids 21 can be pumped to a higher elevation byspecialized buoyant-objects like 525 which are continuously circulatedin the mass-levitator, represented in FIG. 19A. The arbitrary mass beingelevated in this case is water, which is scooped up, elevated to the topand transported to an elevated region of water.

2. Multiple dense fluid regions can be connected and the dense fluidregions can be natural bodies of water such as rivers or lakes, orman-made fluid regions such as the water behind a dam.

3. The dam embodiment 5 can also be utilized of as a means for generalirrigation of the earth, in which water is pumped upward into a vastirrigation system of potentially huge scale.

4. By the addition of an optional-water-filtration-system 216, such as areverse osmosis system housed just beneathupper-transition-dense-fluid-drain-pipe 219, the water has thepossibility of being purified. Using theoptional-water-filtration-system 216 as part of a water pump embodimentmass-levitator it may be possible for sea water to be purified andelevated from the oceans or sea and transported via aqueducts for use bycities, factories, and or farmland.

Operationally, FIG. 19A functions in almost exactly the same manner asFIG. 17A, hence the duplicated functionality and reused parts/partnumbers previously described will not be elaborated and described againin detail. The generalized closed loop form of FIG. 19A corresponds tothe generalized closed loop system of FIG. 2 and contains FIG. 19Amanual swing check valve compression-decompression-chamber 105 which isalso shown in FIG. 4F. FIG. 19A serves to cyclically levitatebuoyant-objects 525 using the compression-decompression method alreadydescribed for compression-decompression-chamber 105 in FIG. 17A, andFIG. 6. Buoyant-objects 525 after falling through downtube 40 have beeninverted, are empty of dense-fluid 21, and have their internal swingcheck valve flappers pulled down by gravity as shown in, and describedby the text associated with FIG. 11A-FIG. 11C. When Buoyant-object 525enters the water at air-to-water-interface 35, the buoyant-object 525 isforced under the surface of the water as described in the textassociated with FIG. 6, that is the weight and momentum ofbuoyant-objects 525 above provide the motive force to guaranteesubmersion of the buoyant-objects at or below the water line. Uponentering the air-to-water-interface 35 buoyant-object 525 picks upwater, and as it moves further into lower-transition 245, it begins toturn upward. In the process of turning upward the weighted internalcheck valves contained in 535 (see FIG. 11 A-FIG. 11 C) close sincegravity is acting downward on the interior check valve flappers 521 asshown in FIG. 11C. Compression-decompression-chamber 105 is equalized tothe fluid pressure level in the lower-transition 245, andsolenoid-timing-motion-control-rod 117 is retracted to permit a singlebuoyant-object 525 to lift the check-valve-flapper 550 and float upwardso as to enter into lower-swing-check-valve 20 (FIG. 19).Compression-decompression-chamber 105 is compressed with enclosedbuoyant-object 525 by equalized of 105 to the fluid pressure level inuptube 70, where upon check-valve-flapper 550 (see FIG. 4F) inupper-swing-check-valve 25 is pushed open by buoyant-object 525, atwhich point buoyant-object 525 rises upward in uptube 70.Buoyant-objects 525 having passed throughcompression-decompression-chamber 105 are lifted into upper-transition215 in the same manner as described for FIG. 8, and FIG. 17A, however asbuoyant-object 525 is inverted in upper-transition 215 the internalswing check valves contained in 525 are again opened by gravity pullingdownward on buoyant-object-flapper 521 (as in FIG. 11B) so as to spillthe fluid contents of buoyant-object 525 into the downward slopingsection of upper-transition 215, where it runs downhill and intoupper-transition-dense-fluid-drain-entrance 217. The fluid thencontinues downhill as it travels throughupper-transition-dense-fluid-drain-pipe 219, passes through and isfiltered by optional-fluid-filtration-system 216, and finally emptiedinto the dam on the other side of dam-structural-wall 137.

There are a few part numbers that have not previously been mentioned inother figures and other portions of text within this application. Theyinclude:

1. lower-transition-inlet-pipe 247 which serves the function of alwayskeeping lower-transition 245 filled with water as water is extractedwhen buoyant-objects 525 are filled and levitated out of thelower-transition.

2. water-pump-suction-pipe 182 which has been added so that water-pump175 can reach into low-elevation-water-source 190 as shown to the leftbottom of FIG. 19.

As previously described water can be added to the system viaelevated-fluid-reservoir 135, reservoir-fill-pipe 145 whenreservoir-electronic-control-valve 140 has been opened.Elevated-fluid-reservoir 135 is filled via water-pump 175 throughwater-pump-pipe 180, and water-pump-suction-pipe 182. Finally the entiresystem of valves, solenoids, pumps, water and pressure sensors arecontrolled, monitored, and actuated by electronic-control-equipment 120through electrical control-cables 125 as in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 28—Embodiment 6 Water Pump with Water Wheel

FIG. 20, embodiment 6 is the exact same diagram as FIG. 19A except thatthe water that is pump upward is used to turn gravity-wheel 900 insteadof filling the dam. Gravity-wheel 900 is attached to an electricalgenerator as in FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. 20 has two additional parts ascompared to FIG. 19A, namely gravity-wheel-fluid-entrance-tube 996 andgravity-wheel-fluid-exit-tube 997 which also exist in FIG. 14B. FIG. 20has one less part as compared to FIG. 19, namelyoptional-fluid-filtration-system 216 which is not necessarily requiredfor this application.

FIG. 20, embodiment 6 serves to illustrate one main point, that beingthat the gravitational potential energy represented by the elevatedfluid that is pumped into the dam in FIG. 19 could equally well beextracted and converted to electrical power via the gravity-wheel 900which is acting as a water wheel or hydro-turban that is used in thisunique embodiment.

FIG. 21A-21C—Embodiment 7 Single Uptube, Inclined Single Downtube withLinear Inductive Power Conversion

FIG. 21A, embodiment 7 is exactly the same mass-levitator, having thesame part numbers and functions as shown in FIG. 17A, except that thevertical downtube 40 of FIG. 17A has been inclined to an angle so as topermit buoyant-objects 75 within the system to roll down downtube 40instead of simply dropping or falling straight down. To incline downtube40, upper-transition 215 has been extended and slightly reshaped asshown in FIG. 21A so as to meet-up, connect, and be in fluidcommunication with downtube 40. FIG. 21B provides a close up view of thetop section of FIG. 21A, while FIG. 21C provides a close up view of thebottom of FIG. 21A.

The major advantage of an inclining downtube, as discussed somewhat inthe text associated with FIG. 9, is that when buoyant-objects such asthose pictured in 20E (584), or 20J (590) are rolled into, through, andout-of, induction-coils 80 they have additional rotational kineticenergy which increases the rate of change of the flux generated by thefalling, and rotating magnets/magnetic arrays contained in thebuoyant-objects. Since the rate of change of flux is directly related tothe magnitude of the voltage induced by the induction coils due toFaraday's law, rotation of the buoyant-objects increases the electricalvoltage output from embodiment 7. The electrical voltage/current output90 when magnetic buoyant-objects are rolled can be much more sinusoidaland potentially easier for the pulse conversion subsystem 85 to formatinto desirable commercial waveforms.

A secondary advantage to this embodiment is that the rotation of thebuoyant-objects in the downtube 40 will permit the buoyant-objects tospend more time in the downtube generating electrical pulses. This istrue because the speed of the buoyant-object will be less than a freevertical fall and the downtube is itself longer due to the geometry ofthe incline and will therefore support more induction coils and haslonger to travel through the induction coils.

An alternative to the simple inclined configuration in FIG. 21A is totake the downtube 40 and reform/reshape the straight downtube 40 of FIG.17A into a helix coil which spirals and wraps downward around one ormore uptube 70s. The helical shape would connect from upper-transition215 and wind downward where it will end at the lower transition 245. Thenumber of turns in the helix between top and bottom would be a functionof the overall height, the desired incline, and the width of theinduction-coils 80 that surround the downtube 40. This configuration isnot shown due the complexity of the associated drawings.

A final variation to FIG. 21A should also be examined, namely thatcylindrical buoyant-objects 590 of the type shown in FIG. 12I and FIG.12J can be used, in which the enclosed magnetic material is shaped intoan internal cylinder diametrically magnetized across the axial diameter.Buoyant-objects 590 would replace buoyant-object 584 in FIG. 21A. Theonly material change to FIG. 21A to support buoyant object 590 is thatdowntube 40 would need to be a square tube so as to fit rolling thecylindrically shape buoyant-object 590 down an incline. The advantage tousing buoyant-object 590 in the square downtube 40 is that the magneticfield of the rotating buoyant-object is always in a single planeperpendicular to cross-section of the downtube and more importantlyperpendicular to the cross section of the induction coils 80 so as toprovide a near optimal rate of change of the magnetic flux seen by theinduction coil.

FIG. 22—Embodiment 8 Bottom FID, Multiple Gravity Wheels, and Top FID

FIG. 22, is a variation on FIG. 17A. Embodiment 8 exchanges inductioncoils and pulse conversion subsystem with a gravity wheel for energyconversion while retaining uptube 70, downtube 40, the water pumpingequipment (187, 185, 175, 180, 240), the water resupply equipment (135,140, 145), water disposal equipment (160, 155,265), computer control,timing, and user interface equipment (117, 120, 125, 295, 390. 395).Embodiment 8 utilizes the mass-levitator template of FIG. 2 withbottom-FID 16 replaced by the compression-decompression-chamber 105 andlower transition 245 of FIG. 6, with top-FID 17 replaced by uppertransition 215 and energy conversion 24 replaced by gravity-wheels 900.Buoyant-objects in FIG. 22 are stacked as in FIG. 17A throughout theembodiment, rising in uptube 70, entering upper transition 215 andfalling through the stacked gravity-wheels 900 until they re-enter lowertransition 245.

The utility of FIG. 22, Embodiment 8 is that it provides an example ofhow gravity-wheel 900 can be stacked upward virtually without limit, howthey can eliminate induction coils, and how a generalized gravity wheelcan utilize buoyant-objects to generate electricity.

Given that gravity-wheel 900's operational details have been completelydefined via the text associated with FIG. 14A-FIG. 14C, and given thatthere is no significant difference to the operation of top-FID andbottom-FID from that already described in FIG. 17A, no furtheroperational description seems warranted. Buoyant-objects 75 simplytravel up the left side of the apparatus via the motive force ofbuoyancy, and travel downward due to the force of gravity on the rightwhile at the same time spinning the central axis of their respectivegravity-wheels.

FIG. 23A-23C—Embodiment 9 Fish Mass-Levitator for Dam

FIG. 23A embodiment 9 provides a novel method of utilizing the methodsand principles of this application, in particular the FID, to permitfish to migrate into an elevated body of water. One real life example isthe need for salmon to migrate beyond a tall blocking dam which has notbeen fitted with fish ladders, perhaps because the dam is just too high.FIG. 23B provides a close up view of the top section of FIG. 23A, whileFIG. 23C provides a close up view of the bottom of FIG. 23A.

In FIG. 23A fish 1005 existing in, and swimming inlower-body-of-water-containing-fish 1000, begin to congregate inlower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010 which is at the mouth ofelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 of the type shown inFIG. 7C. To reduce clutter only one fish is explicitly called out andannotated in FIG. 23A due to the large number of fish actually shown inthe diagram. It is known that salmon in particular use their sense ofsmell to home in on the river entrance that leads to their natalspawning ground, hence the electronic-compression-decompression-chamber106 being connected to the top of wall-of-dam 460 viastanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030, provides small quantities of waterdue to leakage and normal operation that attract the fish tolower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010.

Electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is used in embodiment 9as a form of Fluid Interface Device (FID) to permit variably buoyantself-propelled objects in the form of fish 1005 to migrate fromlower-body-of-water-containing-fish 1000 toupper-body-of-water-containing-fish 1001. The dual electronicswing-check-valve 106 style FID holds back the water pressure of thedam. It is used to create a standing-column-of-water instanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030 that is attached on the lower end toupper-swing-check-valve 25 withinelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 and on the top end towall-of-dam 460 at upper-fish-entrance-to-dam 1020. A secondary optionallower entrance to the dam occurs via lower-fish-entrance-pipe 1035 whichis attached to, and is in fluid communication with the dam on the rightof FIG. 23A at lower-fish-entrance-to-dam 1025 and to the left toupper-swing-check-valve 25.

Fish 1005 in bottom detail FIG. 23C, congregating inlower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010, swim intoelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 whencheck-valve-flapper 550A of lower-swing-check-valve 20 is open and thewater pressure within electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106has been equalized to the water pressure level inlower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010. Pressure equalization occurs byopening electronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45 so as to permit a smallamount of water to flow through lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55 intolower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010. It is this slight water leakage thatoriginates upstream from the fishes prospective, and that provides the“scent” of their origin, that attracts the fish to move intoelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 in the first place.Fish entering electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 arecounted by optional electronic-control-equipment 120 andfish-counter-sensor 1015. In addition electronic-control-equipment 120starts a timer that can also cause electronic closure ofcheck-valve-flapper 550A which is part of lower-swing-check-valve 20.

When there are sufficient fish inelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106, or when sufficienttime has elapsed since the last compression-decompression cycle withinthe embodiment 9, check-valve-flapper 550A and 550B of swing-check-valve20 and 25 are both closed andelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is equalized to thehigh pressure level at the bottom of the dam. High pressure equalizationoccurs when electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 is opened so as topermit a small amount of water to flow throughhigh-pressure-equalization-tube 60. When the internal water pressure ofelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is equal to thepressure created by the standing-column of water at the bottom ofstanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030, check-valve-flapper 550B ofupper-swing-check-valve 25 is open so as to permit fish 1005 to swim outof electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106. The pressure levelsinside of electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 are monitoredby electronic-control-equipment 120 throughcompression-decompression-chamber-pressure-sensor 107 so as to know whento open or close check-valve-flapper 550. Once fish 1005 have exitedelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 they have the choice toswim upward through standing-column-of-water-pipe 1030 where they enterthe dam at upper-fish-entrance-to-dam 1020, or they can swim through thelower dam entrance via lower-fish-entrance-pipe 1035 where they enterthe dam at lower-fish-entrance-to-dam 1025. Fish 1005 having overcomethe elevated dam are then free to populate the dam or migrate furtherupstream.

FIG. 24A-24C—Embodiment 10 Power Fish Levitator

FIG. 24A embodiment 10 is a slight variation on FIG. 23 embodiment 9that utilizes some of the compressed energy produced by gravity in theform of water pressure to create an upward current throughstanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030 so as to carry the fish along withthe flowing current of water to the top of the dam. FIG. 24B provides aclose up view of the top section of FIG. 24A, while FIG. 24C provides aclose up view of the bottom of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24A differs from FIG. 23Ain that lower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010 has been moved inside ofelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 so as to extend andexpand the volume of compression-decompression-tube 30 of FIGS. 4F and23A. Lower-pressure-equalization-tube 55 now extends into, and is influid communication with, lower-body-of-water-containing-fish 1000,while lower-fish-entrance-pipe 1035 still exists but is utilized as, andis relabeled as, high-pressure-equalization-tube 60. Abovestanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030 there is a new water-filled structurethat rests on structural support 130, and which is used to contain andconcentrate fish 1005 known as concentrating-fish-bottle 1040. In FIG.24 it is shown as a spherical container, but its overall shape need notbe spherical in the actual embodiment, as long as it can hold water anda sufficient quantity of fish.

Concentrating-fish-bottle 1040 can be closed off at its bottom bylower-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1045 and on the top byupper-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1060 which also extends throughwall-of-dam 460 into upper-body-of-water-containing-fish 1001.Concentrating-fish-bottle 1040 also connects throughfish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe 1070 to a lower water drain valve(fish-bottle-leak-valve 1050). The entrance tofish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe 1070 is covered byfish-bottle-leak-valve-grate 1065 so as to prevent fish 1005 from beingsucked through fish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe 1070 whenfish-bottle-leak-valve 1050 is open and leaking-water 1055 is flowingfrom concentrating-fish-bottle 1040.

As in FIG. 23A, electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is usedin embodiment FIG. 24A, embodiment 10 as a form of Fluid InterfaceDevice (FID) to permit variably buoyant self-propelled objects in theform of fish 1005 to migrate from lower-body-of-water-containing-fish1000 to upper-body-of-water-containing-fish 1001. The dualswing-check-valve style FID holds back the water pressure of the dam,and is used to create a standing-column-of-water instanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030 that is attached on the lower end toupper-swing-check-valve 25 withinelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 and on the top end tolower-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1045, which is in turn connected toconcentrating-fish-bottle 1040.

Fish 1005 swim into electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106when check-valve-flapper 550A of lower-swing-check-valve 20 is open andthe water pressure within electronic-compression-decompression-chamber106 has been equalized to the water pressure level inlower-body-of-water-containing-fish 1000. Pressure equalization occursby opening electronic-low-pressure-fluid-valve 45 so as to permit asmall amount of water to flow through lower-pressure-equalization-tube55 into lower-body-of-water-containing-fish 1000. It is this slightwater leakage that originates upstream from the fishes prospective, andthat “smells” of their origin, and that attracts the fish to move intoelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 in the first place.Fish entering electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 arecounted by electronic-control-equipment 120 and fish-counter-sensor1015. In addition electronic-control-equipment 120 starts a timer thatcan also cause electronic closure of check-valve-flapper 550A which ispart of lower-swing-check-valve 20.

When there are sufficient fish inelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 andlower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010 which is contained inelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106, or when sufficienttime has elapsed since the last compression-decompression cycle withinthe embodiment 10, check-valve-flapper 550A and 550B ofswing-check-valves 20 and 25 are both closed andelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is equalized to thehigh pressure level at the bottom of the dam. High pressure equalizationoccurs when electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50 is opened so as topermit water to flow through high-pressure-equalization-tube 60. Whenthe internal water pressure ofelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 is equal to thepressure created by the standing-column of water at the bottom ofstanding-column-of-water-pipe 1030 check-valve-flapper 550B ofupper-swing-check-valve 25 is open so as to permit fish 1005 to swim outof electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106. The pressure levelsinside of electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 are monitoredby electronic-control-equipment 120 through control-cables 125 andcompression-decompression-chamber-pressure-sensor 107 so as to know whento open or close check-valve-flapper 550A and 550B.

Up this the point there have been no operational differences betweenthat of FIG. 23A and the new improved FIG. 24A, however the differencesbetween the two embodiments begins to show whenlower-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1045,electronic-high-pressure-fluid-valve 50, and fish-bottle-leak-valve 1050are opened while upper-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1060 remainsclosed. When fish-bottle-leak-valve 1050 is opened a current isestablished in the embodiment by the water escaping throughfish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe 1070 and fish-bottle-leak-valve 1050. Thecurrent starts when water pressure at the lowest levels of theembodiment begin to force water outward from lower-fish-entrance-to-dam1025, through high-pressure-equalization-tube 60 and intolower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010.

The flowing water propels and flushes fish contained inelectronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106 out through electronicupper-swing-check-valve 25 up standing-column-of-water-pipe 1030,through lower-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1045 and intoconcentrating-fish-bottle 1040. Fish are levitated fromlower-concentrating-fish-pond 1010 to concentrating-fish-bottle 1040 andare prevented from flowing down fish-bottle-leak-valve-pipe 1070 byfish-bottle-leak-valve-grate 1065. Once enough time has passed to ensurethat all fish within electronic-compression-decompression-chamber 106have been levitated into concentrating-fish-bottle 1040,fish-bottle-leak-valve 1050 and lower-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1045are closed and upper-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1060 can be opened soas to permit fish 1005 to swim throughupper-fish-bottle-swing-check-valve 1060 intoupper-body-of-water-containing-fish 101. Fish having overcome theelevated dam are then free to populate the dam or migrate furtherupstream.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

Previously, other issued patents and applications have claimed to beable to create energy from the forces associated with buoyancy, andgravity, however the understanding of how to create an energy efficientFluid Interface Device (FID) that functions under the motive power ofgravity and buoyancy has not been achievable. In this application thefundamental link between gravity and buoyancy has been identified andharnessed using FIDs. The understanding gained generates several classesof mass-levitators, an open loop version that can act as a fluidelevator using a variably buoyant-object, a closed loop version that canact as an energy generator wherein the buoyant-objects continuallycirculate in a closed looping system, and a few variations of these twobasic themes. The application scientifically shows how energy can beextracted from the gravitational field of the planet without breakingthe laws of conservation of energy, in a device that is practical tobuild, breaks no know laws of physics, and which can be used to increasethe gravitational potential energy of an arbitrary mass using lessenergy than is gained when the mass is elevated. Thus the closed loopembodiments of this application generate a net surplus of energy witheach cyclic elevation of the arbitrary mass. By using suitable energyconversion techniques, such as a gravity wheel, or a linear inductiongenerator the net surplus of energy can be transformed to other forms ofpower such as electrical, mechanical, or heat power.

While a simple open loop mass-levitator fluid elevator embodiments ofFIG. 15A/16A, have numerous possible and practical applications inindustry, the closed loop continuously cycling embodiments such a FIG.17A, or FIG. 18A can provide continuous electrical power extracted fromthe gravitational field of the planet, and therefore represent verynovel and innovative embodiments. The apparatus so designed are capableof generating low cost abundant energy which is free from pollution,require no fossil fuel inputs, and therefore represent the potentialbasis for an entirely new industry.

Due to the scalability of the apparatus's lift capabilities, which scaleup as the cube of the radius when using spherical buoyant objects, theamount of energy that can be produced is also exceedingly scalable, andcan be employed to serve individual consumers, cities, states,factories, or countries. Since the apparatus can be situated locally atany point on the planet, energy can be generated adjacent to the sitewhere it is utilized. With local energy generation, there will be areduction in the amount of power transmitted between cities, states, andcountries, and there will be a consequential reduction in the electricaltransport costs, resistive power loss, and the associated infrastructuremaintenance requirements that are present with the current centrallylocated power generation stations.

Because the basic principles associated with the various embodiments ofthis patent can be easily understood by most human beings, there will beno intellectual barriers to its implementation. In addition, due to theintrinsic simplicity and elegance of the various embodiments, asoutlined and documented by this application, the final productiondevices should be capable of extremely reliable operation (an importantrequirement for any energy generation system) and should hypotheticallybe operational for hundreds of years with no external energy inputrequired. Once the embodiment's infrastructure (induction coils,tubing/pipes, buoyant-objects, with magnetic arrays etc.) are assembled,like a lock system—where the water flows downhill into the lock chamberwithout apparent cost, the laws of gravitation and buoyancy will propelthe operation of the herein described embodiments, while simultaneousgenerating an abundance of energy for mankind.

Finally this applicant envisions two other very critical applicationsthat are addressable by the various embodiments of this patent, namelythe pumping of water for distribution to farmlands, population centers,and factories, and the lifting of fish and boats over structures such asdams. Since water, and in particular fresh water, is becoming a criticalplanetary resource, the ability to obtain water is one key to thesurvival of the planet's many billions of people. The water pump, ship,and fish lift embodiments are made possible when one considers that themass M elevated to height H can be a quantity of water, any arbitrarymatter, or even an arbitrary object such as a fish. For example, oncewater is encapsulated in the buoyant-object it can be lifted as easilyas any other material and subsequently dumped upon reaching the top ofthe apparatus. Projects such as North American Water and Power Alliance(NAWAPA), and its sister project on other contents, which strive toirrigate deserts, and bring water to million (if not billions) ofpeople, become more implementable since the gigantic power requirementto pump water over mountains are greatly reduce or eliminated by theembodiments contained in this patent. Given the ability to cyclicallyelevate water from the sea with a variation on the closed systemembodiment, it also becomes possible to use reverse osmosis (or othersimilar water filtration techniques) to remove the salt to create freshwater supplies and distribute this clean water to the population of theplanet. Hence this application holds the promise for clean abundantelectrical energy, fresh water, less global warming, and a cleanenvironment that can be supplied cheaply, and used by all thecommunities of the world.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid interface device comprising: anupper-swing-check-valve; a lower-swing-check-valve; a chamber betweenthe upper-swing-check-valve and lower-swing-check-valve; ahigh-pressure-equalization-tube in fluid communication with a regionabove the upper-swing-check-valve and the chamber, thehigh-pressure-equalization-tube including a high-pressure-valveconfigured to equalize fluid pressure between the region above theupper-swing-check-valve and the chamber; and alow-pressure-equalization-tube in fluid communication with the chamberand a region below the lower-swing-check-valve, thelow-pressure-equalization-tube including a low-pressure-valve configuredto equalize fluid pressure between the chamber and the region below thelower-swing-check-valve.
 2. A fluid interface device as in claim 1wherein: the lower-swing-check-valve is configured to open when thelow-pressure-valve is open, when the high-pressure-valve is closed, andwhen a buoyant-object applies upward force against thelower-swing-check-valve; and the upper-swing-check-valve is configuredto open when the high-pressure-valve is open and when a buoyant-objectapplies upward force against the upper-swing-check-valve.
 3. A fluidinterface device comprising: means for connecting an initial fluidregion and an adjacent fluid region, and substantially maintainingrelative fluid separation and pressure differential between the initialfluid region and the adjacent fluid region; and means for transiting andurging material objects, initially located in the initial fluid region,out of the initial fluid region and into the adjacent fluid region whilesubstantially maintaining relative fluid separation and pressure betweenthe initial fluid region and the adjacent fluid region.
 4. A fluidinterface device as in claim 3 wherein the means for transiting andurging material objects includes a motive force substantially suppliedby forces of buoyancy and gravity.
 5. A fluid interface device as inclaim 3 further including: a fluid replacement means for replacing fluidin the initial fluid region with the fluid from the adjacent fluidregion when the amount of fluid in the initial fluid region and theadjacent fluid region differ; and a fluid pressurization means forequalizing fluid pressure in the initial fluid region with pressure inthe adjacent fluid region when the fluid pressures in the initial fluidregion and the adjacent fluid region differ.
 6. A fluid interface deviceas in claim 3 wherein the initial fluid region is a light fluid regionand the adjacent fluid region is a dense fluid region; and the fluidinterface device further including one or more buoyant material objects,the buoyant material objects being buoyant in the adjacent fluid regionand sinking in the initial fluid region.
 7. A fluid interface device asin claim 6 wherein the means for transiting and urging material objectsfurther includes: gravitational and buoyancy forces supplied fromaggregated buoyancy and gravitational weight of a plurality of buoyantmaterial objects stacked on top of each other, each of the buoyantmaterial objects being buoyant in the adjacent fluid region and sinkingin initial fluid region; wherein the weight of the plurality of stackedbuoyant material objects located in the initial fluid region supplies amotive force to submerge and urge one or more of the buoyant materialobjects within the stack to move out of the light fluid and into thedense fluid, where thereafter buoyant material objects rise upward andout of the fluid interface device under the motive force of buoyancy. 8.A fluid interface device as in claim 6 further including: a connectionbetween the initial fluid region and the adjacent fluid region within orsubstantially near the top of the initial fluid region and the bottom ofthe adjacent fluid region, wherein the buoyant material objects aretransported and guided from the initial fluid region to the adjacentfluid region by moving upward from the initial fluid region to theadjacent fluid region and upward toward the top of the adjacent fluidregion under a motive force of buoyancy.
 9. A fluid interface device asin claim 3 wherein the initial fluid region is a dense fluid region andthe adjacent fluid region is a light fluid region; and further includingone or more buoyant material objects, the buoyant material objects beingbuoyant in the initial fluid region and sinking in the adjacent fluidregion.
 10. A fluid interface device as in claim 9 wherein the means fortransiting and urging material objects further includes: gravitationaland buoyancy forces supplied from aggregated buoyancy and gravitationalweight of a plurality of buoyant material objects stacked on top of eachother, each of the buoyant material objects being buoyant in the initialfluid region, and sinking in the adjacent fluid region; wherein thebuoyancy of the plurality of stacked buoyant material objects located inthe initial fluid region supplies a motive force to levitate and urgeone or more of the buoyant material objects within the stack to move outof the initial fluid region and into the adjacent fluid region, wherethereafter the buoyant material objects sink downward and out of thefluid interface device under the motive force of gravity.
 11. A fluidinterface device as in claim 9 further including: a connection betweenthe initial fluid region and the adjacent fluid region within orsubstantially near the bottom of the initial fluid region and the top ofthe adjacent fluid region, wherein the buoyant material objects aretransported and guided from the initial fluid region to the adjacentfluid region by moving downward from the initial fluid region to theadjacent fluid region and downward toward the bottom of the adjacentfluid region under a motive force of gravity.
 12. A fluid interfacedevice as in claim 3 further including: two fluid tight and pressuretight doors, a first of the doors connected to and in fluidcommunication with the initial fluid region, and a second of the doorsconnected to and in fluid communication with the adjacent fluid region;wherein the fluid doors substantially maintain fluid and pressureseparation between the initial fluid region and the adjacent fluidregion when at least one of the doors is closed; wherein the fluid doorspermit transit of the material objects into and out of a central chamberlocated between the two doors, the two doors and central chamberconfigured to enclose an entire volume of one of the material objectswhen the two doors are closed; wherein the two doors and central chamberare configured to contain and substantially prevent fluid leakage whenthe doors are closed; and means for substantially equalizing fluidpressure within the central chamber to a pressure of the initial fluidregion or the adjacent fluid region; to allow one of the materialobjects to be transited between the initial and adjacent fluid regionswhile maintaining pressure differentials between the initial andadjacent regions.
 13. A fluid interface device as in claim 12 whereinthe means for substantially equalizing fluid pressure includes: aninitial-to-chamber-equalization-tube that connects to and is in fluidcommunication with the initial fluid region and the central chamber; aninitial-to-chamber-valve coupled to theinitial-to-chamber-equalization-tube and configured to stop or permitfluid flow through the initial-to-chamber-equalization-tube; anadjacent-to-chamber-equalization-tube that connects to and is in fluidcommunication with the central chamber and the adjacent fluid region; anadjacent-to-chamber-valve coupled to theadjacent-to-chamber-equalization-tube and configured to stop or permitfluid flow through said adjacent-to-chamber-equalization-tube; and meansfor controlling the initial-to-chamber-valve and theadjacent-to-chamber-valve to stop and permit fluid flow into the centralchamber from the initial fluid region and the adjacent fluid region toallow the central chamber's fluid pressure to be equalized to either theinitial fluid region's pressure or the adjacent fluid region's pressure.14. A mass levitator comprising: an initial light fluid region; anadjacent dense fluid region; a plurality of buoyant material objects,the buoyant material objects being buoyant in the adjacent dense fluidregion and sinking in the initial light fluid region; and a lower fluidinterface device interfacing the initial light fluid region and adjacentdense fluid region and configured to allow transit of the buoyantmaterial objects from the initial light fluid region to the adjacentdense fluid region while maintaining a pressure differential between theinitial light fluid region and the adjacent dense fluid region.
 15. Amass levitator as in claim 14 wherein the buoyant material objects areconfigured to encapsulate other objects while still remaining buoyant;and the mass levitator further including means for loading and unloadingthe other objects in and out of the buoyant material objects to allowthe other objects to be lifted from the location of the lower fluidinterface device to a height greater than the lower fluid interfacedevice.
 16. A mass levitator as in claim 14 wherein the buoyant materialobjects are configured to encapsulate other objects, and the masslevitator further including: an upper fluid interface device interfacingthe initial light fluid region and adjacent dense fluid region andconfigured to allow transit of the buoyant material objects from theadjacent dense fluid region to the initial light fluid region whilemaintaining a pressure differential between the initial light fluidregion and the adjacent dense fluid region; and means for loading andunloading the other objects in and out of the buoyant material objectsto allow the other objects to be lowered from the location of the upperfluid interface device to the location of the lower fluid interfacedevice.
 17. A mass levitator as in claim 14 further including: an upperfluid interface device interfacing the initial light fluid region andadjacent dense fluid region and configured to allow transit of thebuoyant material objects from the adjacent dense fluid region to theinitial light fluid region while maintaining a pressure differentialbetween the initial light fluid region and the adjacent dense fluidregion; wherein the arrangement of the lower and upper fluid interfacedevices with connecting components forms a closed loop for plurality ofbuoyant material objects to cyclically move through a continuouslyconnected fluid path, such that (i) the buoyant material objects floatand move upward from the lower fluid interface device to the upper fluidinterface device under a motive force of buoyancy through componentsconnecting the lower fluid interface device and upper fluid interfacedevice, and (ii) the buoyant material objects sink and move downwardfrom the upper fluid interface device to the lower fluid interfacedevice under a motive force of gravity through components connecting theupper fluid interface device and lower fluid interface device.
 18. Amass levitator as in claim 17 wherein the plurality of buoyant materialobjects include magnetic material; and the mass levitator furtherincluding induction coils circumferentially surrounding the componentsconnecting the lower fluid interface device and upper fluid interfacedevice, and configured to induce electric impulses as the buoyantmaterial objects approach, enter, and leave the induction coils toconvert kinetic energy generated by the forces of buoyancy and gravitythat act on the buoyant material objects to other forms of energy.
 19. Amass levitator as in claim 17 wherein the plurality of buoyant materialobjects include magnetic arrays shaped so as to permit the buoyantmaterial objects to be rolled down an inclined component connecting thelower fluid interface device and upper fluid interface device; and themass levitator further including induction coils circumferentiallysurrounding the components connecting the lower fluid interface deviceand upper fluid interface device, wherein the components connecting thelower fluid interface device and upper fluid interface device areinclined downward so as to induce the buoyant material objects to rollor spin as they move downward toward the lower fluid interface device;wherein the induction coils circumferentially surround the inclined,components so as to induce electrical energy pulses from the rotationalmotion of the buoyant material objects as the buoyant material objectsapproach, enter, and leave the coils to convert kinetic energy generatedby the forces of buoyancy and gravity that act on the buoyant materialobjects to other forms of energy.
 20. A mass-levitator as in claim 17further including: a wheel configured to rotate on a central axis andencapsulated by an exterior housing, the housing having recessed pocketsor voids on the wheel's periphery and that moves with the wheel, thewheel configured to (i) accept ones of the buoyant material objects froma guide component into one of the pockets when at the top of the wheel'souter periphery and (ii) release the buoyant material objects into aguide component at the bottom of the wheel; and means for convertingrotation of the wheel into energy.